This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at |http : //books . google . com/
Hosted by
Google
'1^1
Hosted by
Google
Hosted by
Google
Hosted by
Google
THE MORNING DAWNS.
HUGUENOT DESCENDANTS DAUGHTERS OF THE AUTHOR.
Hosted by
Google
Ttlemoridls of the Huquenots
in c>^mericd
IPith Special Reference lo Their Emigration to
Pennsgluania,
— BY—
Reu. A. Stapleton, A. M., M. S., D.D.
Life Member of iKe Petiiisijbama "biislorical Socielij — Member of iKe PentisTjluania
Qerman Socielij, — Author of "Natural liislonj of the Bible," — "Compend
of Cliurcli Histonj," — and "Evangelical Annals" — "Flashliglils
on "Euangelical liislonj" — "Old Time Evangelical
Evangelism."
.v^fC-'
''Sir, it is the part of the Church of God to endure blows, and
not to deal them; hut your Majesty zmll please remember that it is*
an anvil which has already zvorn out many a hammer.''
Theo. de Beza to the King of Navarre\
IIUGUKNOT PUBLISHING COMPANY,
CARLISLE, PA.
1901
Hosted by
Google
Entered according to the Act of Congress in the year igoi,
By rev. a. STAPLETOX,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C.
Hosted by
Google
AUTHOR'S PREFACE.
IT must be apparent to the reader that the gathering of material for
this work was immeasurably difficult because of the scanty and
scattered sources of information. With the exception of the ex-
cellent work of Prof. Charles W. Baird (i) and several monograms
by the American Huguenot Society, no work on the Huguenot emi-
gration to America has hitherto appeared. True, the Virginia His-
torical Society has published a small volume on the emigration to
that Province, and chapters devoted to the settlements in New England
and South Carolina are to be found. Still the reader will find that,
with the exception of a few newspaper articles, the history of the
Huguenot emigration to Pennsylvania has hitherto remained unwritten.
It is chiefly on this account that our resources have been specially de-
voted to their emigration to this Province.
The question may be pertinently asked why so much pains have
been taken to gather particulars concerning so small a proportion
of our Colonial immigrants as the French Protestants? The answer
is found in their character. The Huguenots were something more than
immigrants seeking a home in a new land. They were refugees,
stripped of all human rights, both civil and religious, by the Revocation
of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, and not until the Edict of Toleration,
in 1787, could they claim a right to full liberty of conscience in their
home land.
In the industrial arts, learning and religious thought, the Huguenots
were of the most advanced and enterprising type of civilization, and
. the impressions they have made on the institutions and character of
'the lands of their exile were more profound and far reaching in pro-
portion' to their numbers than that of any other class of immigrants.
This is pre-eminently true of America, as we believe this work
will abundantly demonstrate, and we believe that the study of this
element of our Colonial population will be pursued With greater
interest by future historians as their mighty influence m shaping
the character and d estinies of our country is more fully recognized.
(i). "The Huguenot Emigration to America."
Ill
Hosted by
Google
IV MEMORIALS OF THE^ HUGUENOTS.
With the passing years they disclose the original viriUty of their
character by continually adding new names to America's roll of honor.
To such imperishable names as Jay, Boudinot, Bozvdoin, Marion and
Laurens, of the Provincial period, they have added others of equal
greatness, and whose force of character and sterling worth is in no
small degree attributable to their Huguenot ancestry.
In later years Presidents Tyler (i), Garfield (2) and Roosevelt,
Alexander Hamilton, the Bayards of Delaware, Commodores Stephen
Decatur and W. S. Schley, and Admiral George Dewey, then also the
poets Whittier (3), Thoreau, Lanier and Emily Bouton, have all con-
tributed largely to make America great.
Although, as already indicated, the literature pertaining to the
subject of this work is very scanty, we may state that considerable
data was found in county histories, especially in the works of Prof.
I. Daniel Rupp and General W. H. M. Davis. The Pennsylvania
Archives, ''Notes and Queries'' by Dr. Egle, ''Documentary History
of New York," "Baird's Huguenot Emigration to America," besides
the publications of the Pennsylvania Historical and Pennsylvania-
German Societies, have all yielded valuable materials. We are under
very great obligations to a large number of local historians and private
individuals for clues and suggestions that in many instances led toi
important results. We are specially indebted to the following gentle-
men for valuable assistance: The late Hon. John Blair Linn, of
Belief onte; Mrs. Cora Weber Lindsey, of Pittsburgh; Henry S.
Dodderer, Editor of "The Perkiomen Regeon,'' Prof. Julius F.
Sachse, author of several works of great value on the emigration to
Pennsylvania, John W. Jordan, of the Pennsylvania Historical So-
ciety, all of Philadelphia: deB. Randolph Keim, of Reading, and
Editor of "The Keim and Allied Families" ; James B. Laux, of New
York; Rev. P. C. Croll, Editor of the Pennsylvania German, and
lastly, the lamented Dr. W. H. Egle, of Harrisburg, late State Librarian,
and Editor of the Pennsylvania Archives, to whose valuable assistance
we are deeply indebted. As a matter of mournful interest we may
state that one of the last acts of his busy life was to furnish the
introduction to this work a few days before his death.
If we have in a measure succeeded in rescuing from oblivion '
the memory of a people who have been such a potent factor in shap- '
(i). President Tyler descended from Dr. Louis Contesse, an eminent physi-
cian, who fled from France to Virginia after the Revocation (Va,. Hist. Col.).
(2). President Garfield descended from Maturin Ballou, a refugee to New
England.
(3). The ancestor of Whittier was a refugee named Fouillevert, who fled to
England from Brittagne in the early stages of the persecution (vide Am. Meth.
111. Monthly, vol. 1 1, p. 229).
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS 0^ THE HUGUENOTS.
ing the character and destinies of our land, and preserved to posterity
the names of many from whom it is an honor to claim descent, we
shall consider ourselves well rewarded for our many years of toil.
REV. A. STAPLETON.
Cari,isi.e:, Pa.
Hosted by
Google
Hosted by
Google
DR. WILLIAM HENRY EGLE.
A HUGUENOT DESCENDANT.
P. IX.
Hosted by
le
Hosted by
Google
INTRODUCTION.
By Dr. W. H. Egle, M. D., M. S., Late State Librarian ot
Pennsylvania, Etc.
"Sit at the feet of History — through night
Of years the steps of virtue she shall trace,
And shozv the earlier ages, whe^e her sight
Can pierce the eternal shadoivs o'er her face.'*
— Bryant.
^ I *HE Huguenot emigration to America is a subject of abiding in-
^L terest to the historian, as well as to the general reader. The
Frenchman's love for his home-land exceeds that of any other
nationality, and the causes leading to the extirpation of any consider-
able number of them must be dire in the extreme. These causes, and
their far-reaching consequences, are brought out in a remarkable
manner in these ''Memorials of the Huguenots."
There is a peculiar charm clustering around the relations of
France with the American Colonies during their struggle for freedom
in the dark days of the Revolution. The Colonies were intensely
Protestant in faith, and France just then awakening from her stupor,
brought on by ages of priestcraft and misgovernment, sprang to the
rescue of the Colonies at the period of their darkest peril. Many
of her noble sons enriched the soil of freedom with their blood, for
which America will always be grateful ; and many of her chief
citizens to-day are proud to wear the insignia of "The Society of the
Cincinnati" (i) as a memorial of the time when the infant Republic
of the New World and the future Republic of the Old World, to-
gether, lit the torch of freedom that still shines with increasing lustre
across the dark waters of time. Thus has France, the pioneer Re-
public of Europe, derived hope and inspiration in her lofty aims from
the new Nation, which her exiled sons assisted to build !
The Huguenot emigrants as a class, we may safely say without
fear of successful contradiction, have furnished a large number of
(i). A patriotic and benevolent society, organized by the American and
French officers in 1783 to perpetuate their friendship and raise a fund for relieving
the widows and orphans of those who had fallen during the war. The noted
French Colonel LeFnfant designed the badge of the order. General Washington
was for many years its President.
Hosted by
Google
Vni MKMORIAI^S 0^ THE HUGUENOTS.
men of eminence, in proportion to their number, than any other
nationality. So strongly marked were their characteristics that neither
time nor amalgamation with other races has as yet extinguished the
traces of their high moral sentiments and love of liberty from the
character of their descendants. This character is still a dominating
force in our national life. The extremes of Huguenot theology may
be modified by modern criticism. Its mistaken notions of a religio-
civic government may give way to broader views, but its lofty spirit
and high ideals can never perish because they are the basic elements
of human progress. Its spirit has been perpetuated on canvas (i)
and in the drama (2) as well as in history, song and story, but its
most abiding features are incarnate in the noble life and deeds which
has given a new value to human eflfort and has cast new light on
the path of human progress. In the fire of the pulpit, in the eloquence
of the legislative hall, in the various fields of learning and research
the Huguenot spirit still leads the van. On the field of battle and
on the trackless seas they have not only maintained our Nation's
honor but have opened new eras in the world's history. The naval
glories of Stephen Decatur, the epoch-making achievements of Admiral
Dewey (3) at Manila, and of Commodore Schley (4) at Santiago,
are compliments to the Huguenot origin of these heroes.
The reader will find elaborated in this work a phase of history
relating to the Huguenots which has hitherto been either slighted
or overlooked by writers on our Colonial history, namely, its inti-
mate relation with the great Palatine exodus to Pennsylvania. The
latter movement had its origin in much the same causes which led
the Huguenots to flee from their homes and seek a new destiny in
unknown lands. Hence both Huguenot and Palatine, with an al-
most identical faith, tired of murder, rapine, fire, sword and spolia-
tion under the guise of the Christian religion, seem to have joined in
heart and purpose in working out a common destiny in the New World.
In view of the fact that the Palatine emigration has received so
much attention at the hands of many historians, the scant reference
to the considerable Huguenot element among them seems remarka-
(i). *Xes Huguenots," a famous painting by J. E. Millias, P. R. A., 1852,
representing a trysting couple.
(2). "Les Huguenots," an opera by Meyerbeer, still quite popular.
(3). Admiral George Dewey is a descendant of Thomas Dewey who, at an
early day, emigrated to Vermont from England, whither his ancestor had fled
from the Huguenot persecutions. ("Notes and Queries," 1898, p. 76.)
(4). Admiral W. S. Schley derives his Huguenot ancestry from Madame
Ferree, whose great grand-daughter, Rebecca Ferree, wife of David Shreiber,
moved to Frederick County, Maryland. (Rupp's Hist. Lane. Co., p. 112.)
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI.S OF the: HUGUENOTS.
ble. In this work we have this missing chapter in our Colonial
history, and its rescue was made possible only by a long and pro-
found study of the personality of the immigrants.
The student must not expect to find in this work every name
that belongs there. The subject is not exhausted. There are many
more Huguenot names among us with a very thin Teutonic veneer
over it and which the keen eye of genealogical research will yet un-
cover. There are yet many German family names with Huguenot
traditions which still remain to be differentiated from present en-
cumbrances and reinstated on its proper page of a glorious history.
WILLIAM HENRY EGLE, M. D., M. A.
IN MEMORIAM.
Dr. William He:nry EglE, M. D., A. M.
Dr. W. H. Egle, the distinguished historian, was born in Har-
risburg, Pa., September 17, 1830, and died in that city February
20, 1901. His ancestor, Marcus Egle, was a Swiss who came to
Lancaster county. Pa., prior to 1740. Another ancestor was Fran-
cis Mentges, a French Huguenot, and the father of Col. Francis
Mentges, of the Revolution. In 1859 he graduated in medicine in
the University of Pennsylvania, after which he established himself
in that profession in his native city. In the Civil War he served
with distinction as a surgeon. In 1887 he was appointed State
Librarian by Governor Beaver, and was reappointed to that office
by Governor Pattison in 1891 and by Governor Hastings in 1894.
His life was an exceedingly busy one and the result of his labors
immense. He was the author of scores of historical works of great
value, among them "History of Pennsylvania,'' Histories of Leb-
anon and Dauphin counties, Archives of Pennsylvania, over twenty
volumes, "Notes and Queries," some twelve volumes, "Pennsylva-
nia Genealogies," etc. He was a member of many learned societies
both in America and Europe, and the first president of the Penn-
sylvania German Society, of which society he was one of the foun-
ders. He was a most amiable and approachable Christian scholar
of the highest rank, whose great delight it was to place his immense
stock of historical knowledge freely at the disposal of his fellow
men. His sudden death amid his many unfinished literary enter-
prises was a great loss and called forth universal regret.
Hosted by
Google
Hosted by
Google
Memorials of The Huguenots.
CHAPTER I.
Extending From the Beginning of the French Reformation to
the Promulgation of the Edict of Nantes-1 510-1 598.
"Great truths are dearly bought,
Not found by chance;
Nor wafted in the breath of summer dream,
But grasped in the great struggle of the soul,
Hard buffeting with adverse wind and stream.'*
— Anon.
The sixteenth century is one of the most notable periods of all
history. The discovery of America, the invention of the art
of printing and other elements had awakened a spirit of uni-
versal inquiry and independence of thought throughout the world.
The great masses began to realize that their consciences were domi-
nated by the priests, while their lords regarded them as vassals and
mere chattels.
No particular country can be said to be the cradle of the
Reformation. The time for which Providence paved the way was
ripe, and, like a mighty torrent, broke away from human restraint
and flooded the world with the blessings of the pure gospel.
When Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five propositions on the
Schloss Kirche at Wittenberg in 151 7, the gates of the reservoir
were opened, where before the waters had, so to speak, only over-
flowed the banks.
Our aim will be simply to trace, in brief, the Reformation in
France, leaving the reader to seek information concerning the work
in other countries from other sources.
Reformation Begins at Meaux.
The Reformation in France first established itself in the de-
partment of Meaux, and from thence spread rapidly. The leading
spirit of this movement was Jacques Lefever who, with a fiery zeal
and restless energy, proclaimed the Reformation in many places.
Francis I. had, from the beginning of his reign, condemned the
1
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
excesses of the Church of Rome, and when the Reformers of Meaux
decried the evils of the Papacy it was not without countenance from
the King of France. He even went so far as to join the Protestant
princes in the Smalkaldic League (i). Margaret, Queen of Na-
varre, a sister to Francis I., embraced the Reformed doctrines and,
unlike her vacillating brother, she boldly identified herself with the
cause. Had the King followed her example France would have
been won for the Protestant cause.
Perhaps a majority of the nobility and many of the leading ec-
clesiastics were ready for reform. Even the great Sorbonne (2)
looked with favor on the movement. The chief reason why France
was lost to the Reformation was because the sovereign and his civil
and ecclesiastical dignitaries regarded the Roman Church as the true
body of Christ and favored the reform of abuses in the church.
This was impossible in a body so corrupt. As the Reformation ad-
vanced it became necessary for its adherents to form organizations
of their own with pastors and leaders distinct from the church.
The Reformed people of France were called ''Huguenots." The
origin of this term is uncertain, so that a discussion of the term in
this connection would be useless. The Reformation in France was
somewhat unfortunate in assuming a political aspect. It early
counted many of the greatest statesmen of the Kingdom on its side.
Besides the House of Navarre, the members of which figure con-
spicuously in this history, the Huguenot party counted among its
leaders the celebrated Gaspard de Chatillon, Count de Coligny, Ad-
miral of France, and also his brothers Odet, Cardinal de Chatillon,
and Francois de Chatillon, Sire d'Andelot, the Captain-General of
the French infantry, also the Dukes de Rohan, the La Rochefou-
caulds, the Grammonts, the Princes de Porcien, the Lords of Piennes,
of Soubise, of Genlis, of Mornay, of Esternay, and many others
who, under various titles, figured in the history of the times.
John Calvin.
The great spiritual leader of the Huguenots was John Calvin, born
at Noyon, in Picardy, 1509, and died in Geneva, Switzerland, in
1564. Calvin easily ranked with Luther as a great reformer. With
great eloquence and profound learning he expounded and de-
fended the Reformed doctrines. After laboring for a number of
years in France, removing from place to place because of opposi-
tion, he at last established himself in Geneva, where for many years
(i). A defensive alliance of Protestant European Powers, formed in 1631
for mutual protection against Charles V. and the Catholic Powers.
(2). The Theological Faculty of the University of Paris.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
he was the virtual head of the
French Reformation. His theo-
logical works are numerous and
profound. His "Institutes of the
Christian Religion" was probably
the greatest work of the Reforma-
tion period, and continues to exer-
cise a strong influence on Protest-
ant theology, even to the present
day.
An important factor in the
religio-political struggle of the
French Reformation was the Guise
family, or House of Lorraine. The
Guises were in close affinity with
the Roman See, and were consid-
ered foreigners by the French.
Francois, Dtike of Guise, however,
made himself popular by his suc-
cess at arms against the enemies of
France, and attained a high station in the army. His brother, the
Cardinal de Lorraine, was an ecclesiastic only in name, and with
the duke arose to political prominence. The Guises, together with
Catharine de Medici, mother of the king, and herself a foreigner and
a bigoted papist, were the controlling spirits of the opposition against
the Reformation. Such are a few of the ecclesiastical and political
elements of the great struggle.
The First Martyr.
It is impossible to even refer to the many struggles of the Hu-
guenots through the dark centuries embraced in their history. We
can only in a general way point out some of the leading events.
Jean Le Clerk, one of the earliest reformers of Meaux, permitting
his zeal to exceed his discretion, entered several Catholic churches,
broke the images and posted placards denouncing the corruptions of
the Pope and church. For this he was apprehended, condemned
as a heretic, and burned at the stake in the city of Metz in 1525.
He was the first conspicuous martyr of the Huguenots. Notwith-
standing the great persecutions which were now instituted the Prot-
estants continued to increase in numbers and influence.
Armed Resistance.
The year 1560 marks the period of armed collision between^ the
Papists under the Guises and the Huguenots under the Prince of
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Conde. One dreadful feature of the conflict was the massacre of
twelve thousand Huguenot prisoners at Amboise. The Reformation
also lost the noble Baron de Castlenau, who was condemned to
death on the pretext of treason.
Foreign complications ameliorated the struggle. On August
21, 1560, there was an assembly of notables held at Fontainebleau
for the consideration of the national difficulties, at which time the
EHike de Coligny presented to the King a petition coupled with an
eloquent plea for religious toleration. The King and many of his
party inclined to the petition, but were violently opposed by the
Guises. It was agreed to defer the matter until the assembly of the
States General, but before it convened Francis II. died, December
5, 1560. Francis had been a mere tool in the hands of his uncles,
the Duke and Cardinal of Lorraine. In order to preserve the in-
terests of her house, Catharine de Medici, the Queen Regent, was
compelled to repress the Lorraines and court the favor of the Hu-
guenots. The King, her son, Louis IX., was at this time but nine
years old.
States General Favorable.
The States General met at Orleans December 13, 1560. The
Chancellor de V Hopital, who had always exercised moderation to-
ward the Protestants, spoke strongly against Romish excesses. The
Duke de Coligny, as the leader of the Protestants, was a tower of
strength and greatly distinguished himself. The liberation of France
from Papal tyranny seemed near at hand. Even the Queen Regent
lent encouragement by opening the pulpit of the Palace of Foun-
tainebleau to the Bishop Montluc, who boldly preached the doc-
trines of the Reformation. The tide running so high in favor of the
Huguenots at this assembly, was turned against them by the Lor-
raines, who formed what is known as the Triumvirate for the up-
holding of the Catholic Church. At the head of this league was the
Duke of Guise.
Great Debate at Posaey.
It was then arranged to convene a great assembly at Possey,
where the religious differences should be discussed in the presence
of the notables by a representative from each side. The conference
met September 9, 1561. The Catholics were represented by the
Cardinal of Lorraine and the Protestants by Theodore de Beza
The Chancellor was again the benign L'Hopital, whose opening
address was most favorable to the Reformation.
The great Huguenot theologian, de Beza, with nothing but the
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI.S O^ THE HUGUENOTS.
Bible as his text-book, completely swept away the Romish tradi-
tions and dogmas of the Cardinal. The Assembly drew up a docu-
ment defining the position and rights of both parties, which was in
the main satisfactory to all but the Lorraines and the Sorbonne,
which branded it as in the highest degree heretical. Thus termi-
nated the famous council October 9, 1561.
The Huguenots strenuously insisted on civil and political rights.
The Queen Regent, desiring information concerning their strength,
the Count de Coligny furnished her a list of two thousand one hun-
dred and fifty churches that petitioned for religious toleration. In
January, 1562, the Assembly of Notables issued regulations which,
in a very narrow measure, granted toleration. The discontent of
the Reformed was somewhat quieted by a request of the Queen
Regent for loyal submission. The Guises now sought to counteract
the advantages of the Protestants by isolating their nobles from the
cause. Antoine de Bourbon, the King of Navarre, was the first to
fall in the snare of flattery and the insidious allurements of prom-
ised power and greatness. Despite the entreaties of Calvin and
Beza, and his noble wife, Jeanne de Albret, who was the only
daughter of Margaret de Valois, Navarre renounced the Protestant
faith. It is a sad chapter in the history of this noble woman that,
upon her remaining firm, she was forced to leave her home and
children and retire to her estates in Bearne. Notwithstanding the
attempt of the Pope to bring her before the Inquisition she remained
faithful to the Protestant cause.
Calamities Multiply.
The defection of the King of Navarre brought immediate ca-
lamity to the Huguenot party. The Duke de Coligny and his
brothers left the court but remained firm in the faith. The Guises
now having a free field sent a troop to Vassy and made a descent
upon a Huguenot assembly numbering about twelve hundred, who
were engaged in worship, a great number of whom were massacred
in the most horrible manner. Great was the indignation caused by
this unprovoked butchery and led to a protest to the Queen Regent
against the assumption of power by the House of Lorraine.
Some time later, at a meeting of the notables, the King of Na-
varre in a manner justified the attack on Vassey, when Theodore
de Beza, who was present, replied in these words, which have be-
come historic: ''Sir, it certainly becomes the Church of God, in
whose cause I speak, to endure blows, and not strike them; but
may it please your Majesty also to remember that it is an anvil,
which has worn out many a hammer,"
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Civil War.
The aggressions of the Guises at once plunged the country into
civil war. The Huguenots were led by the Prince of Conde and the
Duke de Coligny. The Papists were led by the King of Navarre and
the Duke of Guise. Both armies were swelled by thousands of re-
cruits from foreign lands. The Huguenots were assisted by the
Protestant States of Germany, the Catholics by heavy bodies of troops
from Spain. The war raged with indifferent success to both sides,
and resulted in terrible loss. The Papist leader, the Duke of Guise,
and also Marshal de St. Andre, were slain. The Prince of Conde,
the Huguenot leader, who was virtually a prisoner, concluded at
Ambois, March 19, 1563, a treaty of peace with the Queen Regent,
Catharine de Medici. This treaty was far less advantageous to the
Protestants than the edict of January, 1562, and did not meet the
approval of Coligny. By its very elements it lacked the conditions
of permanent peace. The Queen Regent, Catharine de Medici, at
the instigation of Papal emissaries, renewed her intrigues against the
Protestant nobles, and on August 4, 1564, she gave an interpreta-
tion to the edict of Ambois wholly detrimental to Protestant rights.
To strengthen her position she imported six thousand Swiss merce-
naries, which was rightly taken by the Huguenots as a renewal of
hostilities, and they at once flew to arms, under the leadership of
the Prince of Conde and the Duke de Coligny. On November 10,
^S^7, an indecisive battle was fought near Paris, in which Montmo-
rency, one of the Triumvirate, was killed. The success of the Hu-
guenots induced Catharine de Medici to sue for peace, on condition
that the edict of pacification should be permanently established. To
this the Prince of Conde, on behalf of the Protestants, assented,
and the treaty of Longjumeau was signed March 20, 1568.
Protestant Faith Betrayed.
Never was a solemn treaty more shamefully violated. Scarcely
had the Protestants laid down their arms when the priests, doubt-
less instigated by the higher authorities, inflamed their people
against the defenseless Huguenots and the most frightful atrocities
were committed. In three months upward of 10,000 were put to
death, many in the most horrible manner. The Protestant leaders,
the Prince of Conde and the Dukes de Coligny and de Andelot, fled
to their stronghold. La Rochelle, where Jeanne d' Albret, Queen of
Navarre, and sister to the Prince of Conde, joined them with 4000
men.
No decisive action took place until March 16, 1569, when the
two armies met at Jarnac, resulting in disaster to the Huguenots,
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS Olf THE HUGUENOTS.
The noble and pious Prince of Conde, being severely wounded,
surrendered himself, after which he was cruelly assassinated and
his body dragged about on an ass.
Coligny now took the chief command of the Huguenot forces.
After gaining a few minor advantages he was overwhelmingly de-
feated October 3, 1569, at Moncontour, where he lost two-thirds of
his army and was himself dreadfully wounded. The faith and
courage of the great Duke never shone with greater lustre than
amid this crushing misfortune. In a short time he had gathered
another army, gained important advantages and marched in triumph
towards Paris. This speedily brought Queen Catharine to terms
and a treaty of peace, more favorable than any previous, was signed
August 8, 1570, at St. Germain-en-Laye.
Massacre of St. Bartholomew.
The Massacre of St. Bartholomew constitutes one of the
darkest blots on the fair history of France. The only redeeming
feature is the fact that most of the instigators were not Frenchmen,
but foreigners, who, hissed on by the Papal powers, succeeded in
causing their deluded and subservient subjects to strike this diaboli-
cal blow. The Protestant leaders had again been deceived when,
on August 8, 1570, a supposed honorable peace was concluded.
The verdict of history is that the Papacy never surrenders to a dis-
senter the right of conscience, hence what cannot be done by force
must be done by intrigue and assassination.
Charles IX. and his mother, Catharine, with the House of
Guise, now feigned the greatest friendship for the Protestant no-
bles. Jeanne d'Albert, the Queen of Navarre, upon the most
pressing invitations, was induced, in the month of May, 1572, to
pay court to the reigning house. While partaking of their sup-
posed hospitality she fell sick and in five days died, June 9, of
poison.
The Duke de Coligny, who had in 1571 taken his place in the
Court of the King as one of his most influential advisers, was shot
on August 22, 1572, by a page of the Duke of Guise. This assault
was rightly interpreted by the Huguenots as a fresh attack upon
them. Numbers of the Protestant leaders hastened to the quarters
of the Duke, who, although severely wounded, was still able to con-
verse.
The fateful hour at last came, and on Sunday morning, August
24, the signal was given by the tolling of the great bell, and the
slaughter began. The Duke de Coligny was stabbed to death by a
servant of the Duke of Guise, for which he was rewarded by the
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
Cardinal of Lorraine. The Protestant Princes, Henry de Navarre
and the Prince of Conde, to save their Hves professed CathoHcism.
The massacre of St. Bartholomev^ was the most horrible tragedy
of the Reformation period, and we may well say, with an illustrious
statesman, * * Let it be erased from the memory of man. " The num-
ber of the slaughtered Huguenots has been variously estimated, but
the best authorities agree in placing the aggregate at many thou-
sands.
The news of the massacre was received at Rome with great joy,
and the Pope had a medallion struck in commemoration of the event,
while the Protestants all over the world were steeped in mourning.
The Papists, however, utterly failed to stamp out the Protestant
faith.
** Truth crushed to earth shall rise again ^
TW eternal years of God are hers^
A number of Protestant cities made a stout resistance, especially
La Rochelle. After the death of Coligny the leadership passed to
Francis de Lanau. Many of the influential Protestants fled to La
Rochelle, where a successful defense was maintained under de Lanau.
The horrible outrages of 1572 had so shocked the world that a
strong revulsion of feeling set in in favor of toleration,
France itself felt the reaction of sentiment so strongly that a
new edict was issued August 11, 1573, permitting Protestant wor-
ship in La Rochelle, Nismes and Montauban.
Death of Charles IX.
Charles IX. died May 30, 1574, bitterly bewailing the part he
bore in the terrible massacre. He was succeeded by his brother,
Henry HI., who, instead of heeding the good counsel of his contem-
porary sovereigns to use moderation in his dealings with his Prot-
estant subjects, rather heeded the solicitations of his fanatical mother,
Catharine, and the foreign Papists by whom she was controlled.
The result was a civil war against the ultra Catholics on the one
hand, and the Huguenots and Liberals on the other. After varying
successes by both parties, a treaty of peace was concluded at Chas-
tenoy May 6, 1576, which professed to guarantee enlarged privileges
to the Huguenots. The stipulations, however, were soon discovered
by the Protestants to be invalid, and they resumed the war. In
this struggle they were left to themselves by the Liberals, and the
leaders of the Huguenots concluded hostilities by the Peace of Ber-
gerac. On October 8, 1577, was issued the edict of Poitiers, which
pretended to grant certain privileges to the Huguenots. On Feb-
ruary 28, 1579, was issued the explanatory edict of Nerac.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAtS OF THK HUGUENOTS.
A considerable number of the nobility still remained faithful to
the Protestant cause and consequently a new order of warfare was
instituted by the Papists, namely, to corrupt by flattery and prom-
ises of preferment the leaders of the Huguenots. These tactics
succeeded to a melancholy degree, and from henceforth the nobil-
ity bore a very inconspicuous part in the religious conflicts. Hav-
ing won over many of the nobility the rights of the Protestants were
more and more restricted.
The League of the Holy Union.
**The League of the Holy Union," of which Philip of Spain
was the General, having as its object the extirpation of Protestan-
ism throughout the world, made inroads in France. The Duke of
Guise, a leading factor of this league, brought such influence to bear
upon Henry HI. that he, by the treaty of Nemours in 1585, de-
prived the Huguenots not only of the right of worship but also of
the liberty of conscience. Orders were given to all ministers to
leave the kingdom within a month, and all the laity to abjure their
faith or emigrate within six months under penalty of confiscation of
property.
This wanton violation of sacred guarantees was the signal for
war. The Prince of Conde again espoused the cause of the Huguen-
ots and succeeded in collecting a considerable army. No serious
conflict occurred until October 20, 1587, when the two armies met
at Coiitras. The Huguenots, before going into battle, bowed in
prayer and chanted the i i8th Psalm. The result was the complete
rout of Henry HI. and the lossot one-half of his army. Henry had
been very unpopular with the Duke of Guise, who was now at the
head of the League and a willing tool of the Pope and foreign
party. His defeat therefore precipitated a crisis that had been
pending fur years. The Duke of Guise, supported by the League,
was borne in triumph to Paris and made demonstrations for the
throne. His triumph was brief, as he was assassinated, by order
of Henry, on December 23, 1588. This act naturally widened the
breach between the League and the King, and he was compelled to
resort to arms in order to maintain his throne. In his extremity he
sought the support of his late opponents, the Huguenots. The
King of Navarre, as their head, held a conference with the Sover-
eign April 30, 1589, at which time a basis of operations against the
League was agreed upon. The combined forces were very success-
ful and repulsed the Leaguers at every point and finally invested
Paris.
Scarcely had they achieved this triumph when Henry died at the
hands of an assassin, August 2, 1589. The murderer, Jacques
Hosted by
Google
10 MKMORIA.I,S OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
Clement, was eulogized by the Romanists for this bloody deed, and
commended by Pope Sextus ** as an act comparable for the salva-
tion of the world with the resurrection of Christ."
The Protestant House of Navarre now succeeded the Catholic
House of Valois to the throne of France, and Henry of Navarre,
the Huguenot leader, took his place on the throne of France as
Henry IV.
The path of Navarre was beset with difficulties, the most pow-
erful dignitaries of his realm as well as the majority of his subjects
were Catholics, and bitterly hated his religion, while on the other
hand many of his chief supporters and advisers were Protestants,
among whom was the talented and pious Duke of Mornay, who may
well rank with such noble Huguenot spirits as the Duke de Coligny
and the Prince of Conde. The Protestants, headed by Mornay,
brought pressure to bear on the King to mitigate their religious con-
dition, and accordingly, in July, 1591, an edict of toleration was
issued, which restored to them the privileges of 1577, but this was
still far from religious liberty.
While the Protestant cause in France had now every reasona-
ble prospect of triumph, it was doomed to disappointment through
the instability and duplicity of Henry. For several years Mornay
was able to keep him nominally in line with the Protestants.
CHAPTER IL
Extending From the Promulgation of the Edict of Nantes, in
J 598, to its Revocation in 1685.
** Ours is the seed-thne ; God alone
Beholds the end of what is sown ;
Beyond our vision^ weak and dim,
The harvest time is hid with Him.''
— Whittier,
^ /JlTHOUGH the abjuration by Henry IV. of Protestantism
ll and its toleration at the same time created considerable
Q) dissatisfaction, yet by a combination of circumstances the
Huguenots at last reached the highest point of religious freedom
they ever enjoyed until the complete triumph of the cause in the
eighteenth century. The country was beset with perils. Spanish
forces were at his doors. Henry must do something to rally once
more his brave Huguenot generals to his side. By according some
measure of protection he hoped to quiet his subjects of the Re-
formed faith.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THK HUGUENOTS. 11
The Edict of Nantes.
Accordingly, in the month of April, 1598, he promulgated the
famous Edict of Nantes, which was irrevocable in its character.
Although it granted but limited toleration, it nevertheless put an
end to the terrible wars which had already cost France over a mil-
lion of her subjects, reduced many of her towns to ashes, ruined her
industries, and brought her to the verge of destruction.
The contest between the Reformed and Catholic faith was now
removed from the field of battle to the arena of theological dis-
cussion. Public debates between the champions on both sides were
common and the country was flooded with controversial literature.
One by one the House of Navarre fell into the snares of Popery.
Catharine de Navarre, the King's sister, alone remained faithful to
the religion of her mother, the noble Jeanne d'Albret. She died in
1604, the last Protestant Bourbon.
After the promulgation of the edict the National Synod of the
Reformed Church met regularly. Seven hundred and sixty churches
were reported, some of which had thousands of members. Gen-
eral tranquility prevailed until May 14, 16 ro, when a sad event
took place which was a great disaster to France but more especially
to the Protestants. This was the assassination of the King by a
Jesuit because of his defiance of the Pope and toleration of Protes-
tants.
The death of Henry was the signal for new troubles for the
Huguenots. The Queen Regent, Mary de Medici, and the new
King, Louis XHL, who was then but eight years old, were wholly
under the influence of Papal intriguers. A collision between the
Protestant nobles, headed by the Duke de Rohan and the King, was
narrowly averted in 161 5. This was the first dark cloud that pre-
saged the reopening of the religious wars.
The Principality of Navarre, which was annexed to France
upon the accession of Henry IV., was almost wholly Protestant.
Yet in this Province all church properties which, since 1569, had
been appropriated for religious purposes by the Protestants, were
ordered to be restored to the ** Church." This, of course, meant
confiscation by the government of all places of worship of the
Huguenots. The non-compliance with these orders induced the
King to lead an army thither in 1620. Pillage and robbery by the
soldiery became rampant and a veritable reign of terror prevailed.
The Last Civil War.
These outrages naturally aroused all the Protestants of France.
Their rights, guaranteed by the edict of Nantes, were more and
Hosted by
Google
12 MKMORIAI^ OF THK HUGUENOTS.
more infringed and the limit of endurance was reached. They
called a political assembly to meet in December, 1620, at La Ro-
chelle. The Huguenot nobility, however, were not so ready as
formerly to appeal to arms for their religious convictions. The
Duke de Bouillon remained neutral ; Marshal de Lesdiguieres, the
Dukes de la Tremoille and the Marquis de Chatillon — the latter a
grandson of the great Coligny — the Marquis de la Force, the Duke
de Sully and Mornay were either vacillating or undecided. But two
distinguished noblemen, the Duke de Rohan and his brother, the
Duke de Soubise, sons of Sully, were ready to draw sword in de-
fense of Protestanism. Armed resistance was agreed on May 10,
1621.
The first triumph of Lonis XIII. was his obtaining possession
of the town and stronghold of Saumur, held by Mornay. This he
accomplished by false promises. The aged Mornay, who had so
long and valiantly battled for religious freedom, refused all offers of
preferment and bribes to forsake his religion, but repaired to his
castle, where he died in 1623. Pie was one of the noblest of the
political leaders of the Huguenots and a worthy compeer of Calvin
and the great Coligny. The progress of the King was unsuccess-
fully resisted until Montauban was reached. This great Protestant
stronghold was held by the Marquis de la Force, with the Duke de
Rohan as support. After a siege of two months and a -half the
King withdrew. The war was, however, resumed the following
year with terrible fury. The Papists perpetrated many horrible
outrages, especially in the vicinity of Montauban, where many Hu-
guenots were put to the sword in cold blood. De la Force, to save:?
himself, made an inglorious treaty with the King. Montpellier,
however, under the Duke de Rohan, held out, and the King was
glad to conclude a treaty of peace in October in which the Edict of
Nantes was confirmed.
This, however, did not end the trouble. The reader should
understand that in France, above all other countries, the Reformed
were a political as well as an ecclesiastical power. The Papists of
the Reformation period held that only one religion could be true,
and that, of course, was their own, and that it was the duty of the
State to suppress all innovations against the established religion,
not only as an ecclesiastical but also as a civil necessity. From
this standpoint it is apparent that all edicts of toleration to the
Protestants were mere subterfuges and temporary makeshifts, and
as soon as opportunity afforded the conflict was again renewed.
To break up the political power of the Protestants and at the
same time begin a systematic extirpation of the ** Pretended Re-
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI.S OF THK HUGUENOTS. lo
formed Religion/' as it was officially termed, was determined on by
Cardinal Richelieu, who was the virtual power behind the throne of
France.
The first step to this end was to capture La Rochelle, a city of
great commercial importance and the stronghold of Protestanism.
The Huguenot merchants of La Rochelle were the most enterprising
in the Kingdom, and by their maritime interests were connected
with the commercial centers of the world. The city had for cen-
turies been a semi-independent municipality, and during the relig-
ious wars had successfully resisted every attack. The siege of La
Rochelle began in 1627 and continued for more than a year. A
relief expedition from England failed to render the needed assist-
ance and the Huguenots were left to their fate. Finally, after two-
thirds of its inhabitants had perished, the city capitulated October
28, 1628. This was virtually the downfall of the Huguenots as a
political power. In vain did the Duke de Rohan attempt to rally
the Protestants to a continuance of the struggle. Calamities multi-
plied ; at Privas the Huguenot garrison, eight hundred in number,
were put to the sword under the most atrocious circumstances.
In July, 1629, the King issued an edict of pardon which, in
effect, was an abridgement of the Edict of Nantes. On August 21
Montauban, the last Huguenot stronghold, surrendered, and the
struggle of the French Protestants to maintain their guaranteed
rights by force of arms was at an end. The gallant Duke de Ro-
han, the last great Huguenot military leader, laid down his arms.
Dispirited and almost heart-broken, he forsook his native country
and died in the service of a foreign land. Although attempts were
made in later years by enemies of the Sovereign to incite them to
armed resistance, they never again, as a body, took up arms to as-
sert their rights.
The political power of the Huguenots being broken up the pro-
cess of corrupting the ecclesiastical heads of the church by the
Papists w^as next attempted but without success. The greatest dif-
ficulties were thrown in the way of holding the National Synods,
consequently but three were held between 163 1 and 1645.
In 1652 was issued a proclamation which re-established the
Huguenots in their rights under the edicts, of which they had been
deprived, and from this period until 1656 they enjoyed compara-
tive tranquility. The rest, however, was brief, as in this year a
new crusade was instituted against them, and which did not cease
but grew in fanatical virulence under the direction of Papal
agents until it culminated in the revocation of the Edict of Nantes
in 1685.
Hosted by
Google
14 MKMORIAtS OI? THE HUGUKNOfS.
In 1656, at a convocation of Catholic clergy, there was made
a violent attack on the growing influence of the Protestants. Many
evils were laid at their doors, and even treasonable designs were
imputed to them. This charge was of course made to incense King
Louis XIV. against them. As an immediate consequence many of
their privileges were abridged, and when, in 1658, the Provincial
Synods sent ten deputies to Paris to lay their wrongs before the
King, he compelled them to wait four months before granting them
an audience and then curtly dismissed them with an indefinite
promise.
The Last National Synod.
On November 10, 1659, was convoked the National Synod,
which had been permitted by the Prime Minister Mazarin only after
the most persistent entreaty. At the opening of the Assembly the
Commissioner of the King announced that His Majesty would not
tolerate any complaints, which consequently made any petition or
representation to the Sovereign of violated rights impossible. It
was also intimated that the National Synod would not be permitted
to meet hereafter, and when they adjourned on January 10, 1660,
the ecclesiastical organization of the Reformed Church of France
was virtually destroyed after an existence of about one hundred
years.
Although the Prime Minister Mazarin was no friend of the
Huguenots, yet his moderation kept the hatred of Louis IV. against
them in check, so that his death in 1661 may be regarded as a mis-
fortune to the cause of the Reformation.
The general course of events from this time on was more and
more disastrous to the Huguenots ; the Jesuits were everywhere and
all the time busy, and with tireless energy worked for the complete
eradication of the *' Pretended Reformed Religion." Many places
of worship were now interdicted, charitable institutions were con-
fiscated and churches destroyed under the most frivolous pretexts
and the sufferers were denied all legal remedies against their op-
pressors and despoilers. Thus was the way gradually paved for the
final revocation. Infractions of the edicts were made under the
guise of ordinances which invaded the most sacred rights of the
Protestants — even the privacy of the home was no longer respected.
In May, 1665, was passed the ordinance authorizing the priests,
in company with an officer, to appear before the sick and induce
them to abjure heresy and die in the faith of the church. In Oc-
tober of the same year a decree was issued that male children at
the age of fourteen and females at the age of twelve were capable
of embracing Catholicism.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THK HUGUENOTS. 15
The force of this decree may well be imagined when the sus-
ceptibility of youth is considered and the nature of the inducements
that were held out for their abjuration. Protestant burials were
made permissible only at daybreak, and funeral corteges exceeding
ten persons were prohibited except in a few cities. They were not
allowed to marry except at set times and nuptial assemblies were
limited to twelve persons. Poor churches were prohibited from re-
ceiving aid. Ministers were prohibited from receiving titles, etc.
In 1666 a new set of regulations comprising fifty-nine articles was
issued, the provisions of which so invaded all the rights of humanity
that they evoked a remonstrance from several Protestant Sover-
eigns in whose continued friendship Louis XIV. was interested.
This had some effect, and in 1669 several of the most inhuman ar-
ticles were revoked and others were modified.
The Regulations of 1666 was the occasion of the first emigra-
tion of the Huguenots, and in a short time thousands of the
better class had sought refuge in foreign lands. In 1669 Marshal
Turenne, one of the former military leaders of the Huguenots, ab-
jured the Reformed faith and became a confidential agent of the
King to bring the Protestants back into the Catholic fold, promis-
ing that the gross abuses of the church should be corrected. Many
of the Protestant nobles yielded, but the clergy, whose piety and
devotion to principles was of a higher type and uninfluenced by po-
litical motives, remained firm.
Louis XIV., w^hose immoralities had greatly scandalized his
court, professed in 1676 to have reformed, and in order to signalize
his devotion to the church undertook anew the complete extirpa-
tion of heresy in his Kingdom. This was the beginning of the end
of the horrible tragedy under the guise of the Christian religion.
A well regulated system of * * Conversion" was established under
Pellison, who had formerly been a Huguenot but was now a most
bigoted Catholic. This system provided for bribing the conscien-
ces of the Protestants with money and other rewards ; the procur-
ers were also rewarded according to the rank and importance of the
converts. Records were kept of the so-called ** converts." As may
be supposed, thousands of the weak and ignorant gave way to this
new crusade. In this diabolical business great frauds were perpe-
trated against the government by the procurers, causing the most
outrageous scandals.
After the peace of Nimegue in 1679 Louis reached the climax
of his power. It was apparent that he was now fully bent on
making short work of his intractable Protestant subjects. Accord-
ingly all his courtiers and subordinates vied with each other in an-
Hosted by
Google
16 MEMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
ticipating the designs of the King. Among these was Madame de
Maintenon, with whom the King contracted a secret marriage.
Her grandfather, Agrippa d'Aubigne, was one of the great Huguenot
leaders in the days of their strength. The most shocking atrocities
were committed.
The Dragonades.
Among the means of extirpation was the introduction of the
Dragonades. This consisted of quartering the soldiery upon the
Huguenots and they were compelled to support them. The
Dragonades were considered the most dreadful infliction that could
be imposed. The privacy of the home was broken up, all valu-
ables were taken, defenseless women ravished and all manner of
horrors perpetrated by the brutal soldiery. Any remonstrance on
the part of the Huguenots was regarded as resistance against the
authorities and was met by the most inhuman punishment, and
even death. Such were the Dragonades !
The Protestant courts of Europe again protested against this
inhumanity, but their protestation were met by the King s declara-
tion that the Edict of Nantes was duly observed and that only law-
lessness was punished. More and more dreadful became the regu-
lations of suppression. All Huguenots were debarred from holding
any public office ; they were virtually stripped of all civil rights.
Even Protestant midwives were prohibited.
The new regulations on marriage created scandalous situations
for Protestants — in fact thousands awoke to the fact that they were
not legally married. Children at the age of seven years were given
the right of abjuration which resulted in wholesale transfers to
Catholic charges and guardians, while their Protestant parents were
compelled to support them. All converts to Catholicism were given
exemption from taxes and military services for a certain time ; three
years' grace for the payment of debts was granted them. Benefi-
ciary funds for schools and church purposes were seized, property
was confiscated under color of law, no new Protestant converts were
allowed to connect themselves with churches. The privileges of
worship were so narrowed down that it was almost impossible to
have public services at all, while the pastors were not allowed to
make mention of any of these hardships imposed upon them.
Protestant Churches Destroyed.
One by one the great Protestant churches were demolished ;
in many cases the wretched Huguenots were compelled to perform
the work of demolition themselves at the point of the bayonet.
Hosted by
Google
* ^MM^^^
1
i#i^: ■■-..i?:
1
>*"^iili|w'^v
^
^f
■ -r; : :4igv- •■■ •"■'"'
■*!^,
•..^m
W:-m.:M
'^^H
■
^ijpi "
A HUGUENOT BIBLE.
FOR CENTURIES IN THE PECHIN FAMILY, AND NOW IN THE
POSSESSION OF MISS LILLA PECHIN OF PHILA.
P. 57.
Hosted by
Hosted by
Google
M^MORlAtS Ol? THE HUGUENOTS. 17
The situation was now terrible ; thousands sought relief by flight
which the authorities sought to prevent, but in vain. All Protest-
ant Europe was aroused in behalf of the suflferers. By official
proclamation England, Holland, Switzerland and Denmark ofifered
asylum to the refugees. Many of the nobles and literary men who
had escaped to foreign lands exerted a powerful influence in their
adopted countries in behalf of their oppressed countrymen. Great
pressure was brought to bear on the King to modify his harsh
measures but in vain. Petitions were ignored and eminent depu-
ties were turned away. The heart of the grandson of Henry of
Navarre, the Promulgator of the Edict of Nantes, was rendered
callous by the corruption of his court and the influence of a fanati-
cal priestcraft.
CHAPTER III.
Extending From the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, 1685^
to the Edict of Toleration, 1787.
*' Hope looks beyond the bounds of time
When what we now deplore^
Shall rise in full itnntortal prime
And bloom to fade no more.^^
^T HE time for the revocation of the great charter of religious
* I liberty in France was now ripe and Louis XIV. was ready to
perpetrate an act that should forever blight his memory and
place an ineffaceable blot on the history of France* His cruel blow,
aimed at a class of his own subjects for no other reasons than that
they differed from him in their views and practice of Christianity,
simply rebounded upon himself. Illustrious France failed to inter-
pret the signs of the times and turned away from the light of her
own bright star of destiny ! The pall of night settled down upon
her. Her expatriated sons enriched the literature, built up the
commerce and brought prosperity to other lands, and by the true
nobility of the Huguenot character and its influence upon the na-
tions in which they found asylum they illustrated to coming genera-
tions what France might have been had she listened to the voice
of reason instead of a corrupted and bigoted priestcraft.
Hosted by
Google
18 MKMORIAI.S OF THK HUGUKNOTS.
The Revocation.
On October i8, 1685, the King signed the Revocation of the
Edict of Nantes for the reason, as he says in the preamble, that
his subjects of the ** Pretended Protestant Rehgion" had in the main
returned to the CathoUc fold and hence there was no occasion for
its statutory existence. The world stood aghast at the stupendous
falsehood. By the terms of the Revocation it became unlawful to
exercise in the Protestant religion. Pastors were ordered to leave
the country in fifteen days. Parents could no longer instruct their
children in the Reformed faith, but were compelled, under heavy
penalty, to have them baptized and instructed by the priests. They
were forbidden to emigrate, and those who had done so must re-
turn in four months or suffer the confiscation of their property. A
cry of agony went up from every Huguenot home of France and
resounded throughout the world. The Revocation had the imme-
diate effect of alienating the Protestant powers from France, while
at home it sowed the seeds of infidelity and anarchy that culmi-
nated in the terrible French Revolution a century later.
Flight of the Huguenots.
Notwithstanding the most strenuous efforts to prevent it there
was a stampede of the Protestants to leave the Kingdom. The
most unheard of and astonishing methods of disguise in order to
escape were resorted to. The knowledge of secret pathways to the
borders and the best methods of eluding the vigilance of the guards
was communicated from one to another in a marvelous manner.
Proclamations were issued by nearly all Protestant Sovereigns wel-
coming the fleeing Huguenots to their realms. They comprised all
classes of people. Conservative estimates places the number of
refugees at half a million while other writers make the number a
million. The latter estimate is also supposed to cover previous emi-
grations ; among this number is included about fifteen thousand of
the nobility. From twelve to thirteen hundred refugees were seen
to pass Geneva in Switzerland in a week. Many thousands lost their
lives by exposure or violence in their attempts to escape. The de-
tails of their sufferings are so sickening that we will spare the reader
a recital of the same.
Thousands of the refugees entered the military service of other
lands. England alone organized eleven regiments of Huguenot
soldiers and one brigade under the Count de Shamburg, fought
under the Prince of Orange at the battle of the Boyne in Ireland in
1690. French Protestant congregations were formed in very many
Hosted-b
rGoogle
MKMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 19
places. London alone had twenty-two societies (i). Some colo-
nies drifted to the uttermost parts of the earth. The Huguenot
colony at Cape Town, South Africa, is a notable example. The
Revocation, however, did not crush Protestantism in France. Louis
XIV. was self-deceived.
The horrible atrocities committed against the best citizens of
the realm led to a revulsion of feeling among the most intelligent
classes. Nearly a million of French remained at heart Protestants.
Thousands had gone through a mere formulary of abjuration, which
was ** official" and which the ** convert" did not consider binding
upon his conscience. The fury of persecution having somewhat
spent itself many pastors returned to the remnants of their flocks in
a few years and services were secretly held in many places.
The King was not insensible of the shadow that fell upon his
name by the Revocation and became somewhat indifferent to the
war of extirpation. Sometimes, however, when importuned by the
highest ecclesiastical councils, his old-time hatred against the Pro-
testants asserted itself in new orders and regulations which resulted
in the suppression of reviving churches, the execution of prominent
leaders, and the condemnation for life to the galleys of many oth-
ers. This vacillating policy continued until his death in 1715.
Among the elements that ameliorated the situation of the
Protestants was the disastrous effect of the Revocation on the ma-
terial prosperity of the country. The Bishops of Grenoble and St.
Pons, in episcopal letters, discouraged forced conversions as against
the principles of the holy religion.^ The leading statesmen in
memorials regretted the loss of so many skilled artisans. The min-
ister of marine complained that the persecutions had robbed the
navy of thousands of its best sailors. The poet Racine in 1689
dared to express sentiments against religious intolerance, and Fene-
lon, one of the greatest and noblest of Catholic ministers, sent a
strong plea to the King for toleration.
The Church of the Desert.
The severities of the persecutions relaxing somewhat in the
course of years, the Huguenots, bleeding and despoiled, began again
to assemble themselves. True, the old church organization was
destroyed, their pastors were driven away and all religious exercises
declared unlawful, still the true spirit of vital Christianity survived
(i). Many of the Huguenot refugees to England, and their descendants, have
been an honor to the land of their adoption. Among the many we may mention
Droz, who founded the first public library and literary newspaper in Dublin, Ire-
land. General Thelluson^ who was ennobled for distinguished services in the
Peninsular War, and Generals Ligonier^ Frevosi^ de Beaguiere and Boquet^ all of
Hosted by
Google
20 MEMORIAtS 01? tHK HUCiUEJNOTS.
a!l calamities. The people began to gather in secret places and or-
ganized themselves into small societies. Pastors they had none,
but pious laymen conducted the services and sought to give religious
instruction and impart encouragement and consolation. Such was
the beginning of the ** Church of the Desert," which represents a
distinct phase of French Protestantism. The chief instrument in
this revival was Antoine Courts born of humble parentage in 1696.
He at the age of seventeen began to take the lead of assemblies in
the ** Desert." The movement grew stronger from day to day, and
the small societies, meeting in secret, became quite numerous. On
August 21, 171 5, was convened the first Synod after the Revocation
at Cevennes, after which they were held for years in secret places,
the participants using every precaution to prevent detection by the
authorities.
Gradually Protestantism arose from the ashes of her seeming
ruin like the fabled Phoenix of old and attracted public attention.
On May 14, 1724, was issued a new code of oppression exceedingly
severe, but only to elicit declarations of disapproval from many dis-
tinguished officials of both Church and State. The public con-
science was fully aroused and many leading men felt that the coun-
try had been sufficiently disgraced in the eyes of the world, and thus
the decrees of 1724, after several displays of their brutality, suc-
cumbed to popular disfavor. There were, nevertheless, many local
outbursts of persecution, and in some localities the atrocities Con-
tinued until the publication of the Edict of Toleration in 1787. The
most serious of these persecurtons was in the Province of Langue-
doc, beginning in 1754 under the instigation of Cardinal Richelieu^
and was of great severity.
Among the pastors of the revived church who suffered martyr-
dom were the following : At Montpelier Pierre Diirand, a coworker
with Antoine Court in 1732 ; Disubas, 1746; Jacques Roger, 1745 ;
Francois Benezet, 1752 ; Etienne Lafarge, 1754 ; also Louis Ranc
at Die in 1745. These were all prominent and their loss was a ter-
rible blow to the struggling Huguenots. No Protestant leader after
the Revocation wielded a greater influence than Paul Ribaut, He
was born near Montpelier in 171 8, and was one of the few who,
having endured the hardships and perils as a pastor ** in the Desert,*'
whom shed lustre on the British arms. Le Fever ^ speaker of the Mouse of Coni-
inons, who was elevated to the peerage as Lord Eversly, Roufnilly^ the great bar-
rister, was likewise honored. Saurin^ the great jurist and Attorney General of
Ireland, Majendiey Bishop of Chester, Labouchere, the publicist and member of
the British Cabinet, and who was also ennobled, Layard, the scholar^ diplomat
and excavator of ancient Nineveh, and Punshon, the eloquent divine, are all dis-
tinguished names in English history.
Hosted by
Google
MEIMORIAtS OK THE HUGUENOTS. 21
survived to see his countrymen in the enjoyment of religious free-
dom. He was educated at the Huguenot Seminary at Lausanne
under the tutelage of Antoine Court, and in 1743 began his ministry
at Nismes, and continued to labor incessantly in that capacity as a
minister, writer and organizer for the Protestants until his death by
violence in the civil disturbances of 1795. Although under sen-
tence of death he managed to perform his arduous duties, living for
many years in caves and huts in desolate places known only to his
faithful people. It should be here remarked that nearly all the
ministers of the ** Desert" bore assumed names for prudential rea-
sons. During his long career Ribaut bore a number of assumed
names which disguised his identity in the eyes of the law. He was
on intimate terms with the Protestant leaders in foreign lands, and
even with high officials of his own country who favored toleration.
The Synod Re-established.
In August, 1744, was convened the first National Synod of the
re-established church. It met in an obscure place in Lower Lan-
guedoc so as not to attract attention. Michel Viala was its presi-
dent. By scrupulously avoiding all publicity, and especially open
conflicts with the civil authorities, they safely rounded the rocks on
which so many had grounded before them. From 1755 it was
comparatively easy to ransom the Protestant galley slaves ; foreign
dignitaries secured the release of many persons of rank, while for-
eign money assisted in the release of the poorer classes.
In 1762 Fraftcis Rochette, a Huguenot pastor, suffered mar-
tyrdom in Toulouse, having been apprehended as a robber while on
a journey. In the courts he easily cleared himself of the charge
but was immediately remanded by his enemies for heresy. Public
sentiment was much divided. The old laws were still on the stat-
ute books, according to which he would fall under the severest pen-
alty known to the courts. It seems that the officials purposely of-
fered him opportunities of escape but for some unaccountable reason
he failed to improve them and accordingly suffered. Amid the
excitement three brothers named Grenier, of noble rank, hastened
to the scene, armed to the teeth, in the expectation that a massacre
would occur. To go armed was a fatal mistake. The laws were
against them and they were accordingly condemned and executed
February 19, 1762. On March 9 following Jean Calas, a father of
69 years of age, was broken on a wheel in a most horrible manner.
Thus Toulouse, where blazed one of the first martyr fires in 1532,
also witnessed the last legal execution in France for the sake of re-
ligion.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAtS OF THK HUGUENOTS.
These executions aroused the country against the power of the
priests and the unjust severity of the laws. Three years later the
Parliament, by a unanimous vote, annulled the decrees of the court
against Calas. These last executions greatly inured to the advan-
tage of the Protestants by arousing a general sympathy. Although
the barbarous laws against the Huguenots were still in force yet so
strong had the spirit of toleration grown that they were almost a
dead letter.
In 1763 we see the Protestants supporting a representative in
close relation to the Government. This responsible trust was re-
posed in Court de Gebelin, a son of Antoine Court, who as a civil-
ian became a pillar in the Protestant cause.
The Edict of Toleration.
We cannot follow the rapidly increasing agencies that led to
the final victory of religious freedom in France. The spirit of lib-
erty was, so to speak, ** in the air' as a reaction against the spirit
of intolerance. Many able Catholic statesmen by pen and voice
advocated toleration and the undoing of the terrible wrongs com-
mitted. The Catholic clergy were equally active in their efiforts to
prevent this but in vain.
Perhaps the strongest individual agent in effecting the Act of
Toleration was the Marquis de Lafayette (our own Lafayette of the
American Revolution). In the National Assembly of Notables in
1787 he proposed a scheme for toleration and reform in the civic
laws with special reference to religious delinquents. The proposi-
tions were favorably considered by the King, and in November,
1787, Louis XVI, signed and promulgated the Edict of Toleration,
In 1789 the Constituent Assembly broke down the few remainfng
barriers by publishing a Declaration of Rights. Art. XI. declared
all citizens equal before the law, which made Protestants eligible to
all offices. Art. XVIIL guaranteed liberty of conscience in religion.
The complete emancipation of the Huguenots may be inferred by
the fact that in March, 1790, Rabaut. Saint Etienne, the son of the
fugitive pastor of the Desert, was appointed President of the Con-
stituent Assembly, one of the highest offices in the realm. It is
sad to chronicle that this great man died on the scaflold in 1793
during the dreadful political upheavels of the French nation at that
period. His aged father, of whom prominent mention has been
made, died in 1796. Another son, Rabaut Dupuy, also became an
eminent statesman and presided over the Constituent Assembly in
1802, and by his integrity and broad-minded statesmanship shed
lustre upon his Huguenot antecedents.
Hosted by
Google
Ml^MORlAtS OP mn HUGUENOTS. 23
Here we close our brief recital of the struggles of the Huguenots
of France for religious freedom ; a struggle which lasted longer and
raged with greater severity than any other in Europe, and was
fraught with greater consequences to human progress and civiliza*
tion than perhaps any other movement of modern times.
Distinguished Clergymen and Literary Institutions of the Huguenots.
As has already been shown, the first great leading spirit of the
French Reformation was John Calvin, who directed the work from
Geneva, Switzerland. It is questionable whether any other modern
writer has left a more profound impression on theology than Calvin
(B. 1509, D. 1564). Next to Calvin r^^t?^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ wielded the
greatest influence. For many years he personally shared the strug-
gles of his coreligionists in his native land. Born of noble parentage
at Vezelai, 1519, died 1605. Then also William Farrell, a most
able coadjutor of Calvin. In later times we note the following :
Andre Rivet (1572-1651), a noted preacher, teacher and author
who ended his days in Holland ; Edeme Aubertin (i 595-1652),
author of a great work on the Eucharist, who suffered martyrdom ;
Benjamine Besnage (i 580-1652), a great preacher and author and
grandfather of the famous Jacques Besnage ; David Blondel (i 595-
1655), the great historian ; Samuel Bochart (i 599-1667), pastor at
Caen, and a profound historian whose works are of enduring merit ;
Michael Le Faucheur (D. 1657), whose published sermons are still
of literary value ; Jean Mestrezat {\'igi-i6^7)y pastor of Charen-
ton Temple, Paris, an able preacher, writer and disputant ; Charles
Drelincourt (i 595-1689), also a pastor of Charenton Temple, whose
great work, * ' Consolations Contre la Mort, " passed through fifty
editions and was translated into almost every European language ;
Jean Dille{i^gS-^^7^)^ colleague of Drelincourt and noted author ;
Pierre Dubose (162 3-1 692), pastor at Caen, considered one of the
greatest preachers of his times, who died in exile ; David Ancillon
(1 61 7- 1692), a great preacher and poet at Metz who fled to Berlin
at the Revocation ; Jean Claude (B. 1619, ), one of the last fam-
ous pastors of Charenton Temple ; Matthieu de Larogue {i6ig
1684); Pierre Jurieu (1637-1713), a most eminent author and
controversialist, whose work made a deep impression throughout
Europe; Pierre Alix (1641-1717), the last pastor of Charenton
Temple, who fled to London at the Revocation where he won great
distinction, being honored with degrees from Oxford and Cam-
bridge Universities.
Jean La Placette (1639-17 18), **the Nicole of the Huguenots,"
fled to Copenhagen at the Revocation where he was pastor of the
refugees for thirty years. David Martin (1639-173 1), the famous
Hosted by
Google
24 MEMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
commentator and lexicographer; Jacques Besnage (1653-1723),
who became the head of the French church at The Hague after the
Revocation. His services to Protestantism in Europe were very
great. Jacques Abbadie (1654-1724), one of the greatest writers
and apologists of the Huguenots, died an exile in Ireland. He was
the author of several very valuable w^orks. E It as Benoit {\640-
1728), was not only a great preacher but also an able historian.
His ** History of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes" is the
greatest authority on that subject. Jacques Saurin (1577-1730),
ranks as the greatest pulpit orator of the Huguenots. He was for
many years pastor of a French church in London. His published
sermons are still considered masterpieces. Jacques Lenfant (1661—
1728), and Isaac Beausobre {i6$g-iyi2>)y who linked their labors
and fortunes in Berlin, were both pastors of refugee churches there.
Their historical and biblical works were justly celebrated.
Gladly would we give at least a reference to the noble and il-
lustrious Huguenots in other walks of life — the famous artisans who
founded great industries in foreign cities, the men noted in litera-
ture, art and science ; the soldiers and sailors who brought glory
and renown to the land of their adoption — but the limits of this
work forbid further notices.
By the terms of the Edict of Toleration the Huguenots were
permitted to maintain a limited number of institutions of learning,
several of which attained a considerable celebrity.
The Academy of Montauban, founded in 1599, had in the
height of its glory the celebrated Daniel Chaniier, who assisted in
drawing up the Edict of Nantes. In 1600 he conducted a famous
discussion with the confessor of Henry IV. He was killed on the
ramparts of Montauban while ministering to the troops in the siege
of 1 62 1, Michael Berauet and Antoine Grissoles, of the same in-
stitution, added lustre to the cause. This academy was ruined in
1 66 1 by the intrigues of the Jesuits, but was restored a century and
a-half later (1808-10) by the creation of a faculty of Protestant the-
ology by Napoleon.
Samur was founded by the celebrated Mornay. Some of its
great teachers were Jean Cameron (i 579-1625), and his famous
disciples Moise Afuyrauli (1596-1664), who enriched Protestant
literature by producing nearly forty works. His colleague, Louis
Cappel (i 585-1658), was one of the foremost Hebraists of the age.
Josue de la Place (1596-1655), and Etienne Gaussen (died 1675),
were likewise noted professors in this academy.
In the Academy at Sedan was Pierre Damoulin (i 568-1678),
who in more than seventy years of public life, amid many perils and
difficulties, gave to the world seventy-three theological and devo-
Hosted by
Google
HON. S. LESLIE MESTREZAT.
p. 132.
Hosted by
Google
MKM0RIAt3 Olf THE HUGUENOTS. 25
tional works. Louis Leblanc de Beaulieu (i6i 5-1675), was also a
teacher and writer of note connected with this school.
The college at La Rochelle, founded in 1565 and endowed
by Jeanne d' Albret and other members of the House of Navarre,
was also justly celebrated, and its faculty were noted for their wide
range of talent and excellent work. In addition to its fine college
La Rochelle was also the seat of many great printing and pub-
lishing establishments where enormous quantities of Protestant lit-
erature were issued and scattered broadcast over Europe.
The Academy of Nismes had the celebrated Samuel Petit
(1594-1643). All the Protestant institutions of learning having
been destroyed at the Revocation it became necessary to establish
a training school for the pastors of the ** Desert." This was done
by Antoine Courts the leader of the Church of the Desert. Owing
to the dangers such an institution would be subject to in France it
was established at Lausaune in Switzerland. 1731 Antoine Court
took personal charge of the institution. Here were educated and
trained nearly all the ministers of the Re-established Church, and
it continued in this grand work until, as we have noticed, the auth-
orization by the Emperor Napoleon of a Protestant Faculty of The-
ology*
CHAPTER IV-
Huguenot Settlements in America*
Coligny's Colonial Scheme ; Settlement at Rio de Janeiro ;
Failure ; Port Royal ; La Carolina ; Disaster Follows ;
Charleston ; On the Santee and Trent ; Virginia ; New
Netherlands ; New England ; Rhode Island ; New
France ; The Antilles*
** Amidst the storm they sang^
And the stars heard^ and the sea —
And the sounding aisles of the dim. wood rang
To the anthems of the free —
The ocean eagle soared
From his nest by the white waves'" foam ^
And the rocking pines of the forest roared —
This was their welcome home,^^
^'C HERE is, perhaps, no people in Europe less disposed to emi-
grate than the French. They are naturally much attached
to their country. No great masses of French are found in
the United States as is the case with other European nationalities,
and the greater number of those who are here have descended from
•1
Hosted by
Google
26 MKMORIAW OF THS HUGUENOTS.
Colonial ancestors. This fact illustrates the benefit of religious
toleration to France at the present day. Her people, both Protest-
ant and Catholic alike, now delight to stay in their own sunny
clime, while intolerance drove away, as we have seen, over a mil-
lion of her best people to swell the population and build up the in-
dustries of foreign and hostile countries.
Even the remotest quarters of the earth were enriched by her
expatriated children who fled thither in order to enjoy religious lib-
erty. As is well known the Huguenots, in connection with the
Dutch, founded the settlement at the Cape of Good Hope and were
an important factor in building up the States and commerce of
South Africa.
Duke de Coligny's Scheme.
The great leader of the Huguenots, the Duke de Coligny, con-
ceived the idea of establishing colonies of his persecuted countrymen
in America. In 1555 a settlement was made through his instru-
mentahty in Brazil, near the present city of Rio de Janeiro. In the
following year Pierre Richer and Guillaume Chartier were sent to
minister to the colony and were the first Protestant preachers to
cross the Atlantic ocean. Unfortunately in the course of a few
years Villegagnon, the Governor of the Colony, renounced Protest-
anism, and by connivance with the home government proceeded to
destroy the Protestant character of the colony by deporting the
ministers and chief men. In 1 558 he caused the death by drowning
of Pierre Bourdon, Jean du Bordel and Mathieu Verneuil, who
were the first martyrs to the Protestant cause in the New World.
Thus through the perfidy of its leader the first Huguenot col-
ony failed.
Port Royal.
Notwithstanding this failure the Duke de Coligny was not dis-
couraged but still resolved to carry out his cherished plans. In
1 562 he sent out the second expedition under the supervision of
Jean Ribaut, an experienced officer of the army and a staunch
Protestant. On May i they entered the mouth of the St. John's
river and took possession in the name of France. Continuing their
course northward they settled Port Royal, in South Carolina. The
first civil war between the Protestants and Catholics breaking out,
Ribaut hastened home to join the forces of the Prince of Conde, and
the small colony at Port Royal soon went to pieces. When the
peace of Amboise closed the war Coligny sent another expedition in
1 564 which settled on a bluff on the St. John's river, and called the
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^ OF THE HUGUENOTS. 27
place La Carolina. The Governor, Laudonniere, however man-
aged the colony very indifferently and it did not prosper. In 1565
Jean Ribaut appeared at the mouth of the river with seven vessels
and nearly a thousand men, many of whom were of the nobility.
The Spaniards, who claimed the country by right of discovery, also
sent a fleet which arrived a few days later. Ribaut put to sea to
engage the Spaniards but his vessels were wrecked oflf the coast.
The Spaniards then sent an expedition to La Carolina and took it
by surprise, putting to the sword nearly all the inhabitants.
Meanwhile Ribaut gathered his shipwrecked party on the coast
and marched to the relief of La Carolina only to find it in the pos-
session of the Spaniards upon his arrival. Ribaut agreed to terms
of surrender under promise of quarter, but no sooner had he done
so when the Spanish fell upon them and nearly all were massacred.
Thus the hopes of Coligny were again doomed to disappointment.
Charleston, 5. C.
Notwithstanding the disasters to the settlements under Ribaut
and others, the project of establishing Huguenot colonies in Carolina
was not abandoned. When the Carolinas were erected into an
English Province over a hundred years later. Huguenot pioneers al-
ready appear among the colonists. Their number was so large in
1 68 1 that when the city of Charleston was laid out at that time
they established the first church (i) and are generally credited with
being the founders of the city. A large number of refugees arrived
after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685). One of the
early pastors of the Huguenot Church in Carolina was Rev. Elie
Prioleau (2) who had been a minister at Pons, in Saintonge, France.
His church being destroyed and congregation scattered at the revo-
cation he fled to England, and later came to Charleston where he
died on his estate in 1690.
A considerable number of Rev. Prioleau's former parishioners
eventually made their way to America and found repose under the
fostering care of a Protestant government.
Reader, let us here pause a moment and reflect. What a tragic
story, rivalling the dreams of fiction, clusters around the Huguenot
congregation of Charleston, S. C. ! Heartless dragonades, fire,
sword, confiscation, ruin, bloodshed, heartrending separations, and
the final gathering of a remnant of the flock in the wilds of the
New World, many thousand miles distant ! This is but one of
many similar scenes.
(i). See * * Ravenal Record, * ' page 264.
(2). Ibid., page loi.
Hosted by
Google
28 MEMORIAtS OF run HUGUENOl'g.
The old family ties, welded together in the fire of persecution
over 200 years ago, still hold firmly, hence we find the original con-
gregation still in existence, and is, in fact, the only distinctively
Huguenot church in America to-day.
Santee«
After the influx caused by the Revocation three additional con-
gregations were formed, **oneon the eastern bank of the Cooper
River known as Orange Quarter ; one on the western bank known
as St. John's, Berkely, and one at Jamestown on the Santee" (i).
The latter soon became a large and important settlement.
It is a notable circumstance that many of the refugees to Car-
olina were of distinguished antecedents, and not a few of the no-
bility. Among the latter was Pierre de St. Julien and his brother
Louis, their brother-in-law, Rene Ravenal, and Samuel Bordieu,
all from the town of Vitre in Bretagney. They came to America
in 1686, several leaving considerable estates behind them which
were confiscated by the King (2). Their descendants in America
have amply proven the excellency of their ancestral character and
have given many names to the aristocracy of personal worth.
Virginia,
A very large number of Huguenots found asylum in Virginia,
and their descendants have borne a conspicuous part in the devel-
opment of that great State. The first arrivals were by way of
England under the patronage of the King in 1690. The second ex-
pedition arrived in 1699 under the leadership of Philip de Riche-
bourg, a French nobleman of considerable note. This expedition,
numbering about 600 members, was the largest colony of refugees
ever landed in America. Most of them were located on the south
side of the James River, near the present site of Richmond.
The settlement was called ** Manikintown," which, in the
course of a few decades, lost its original character. A great num-
ber of the emigrants removed farther south, many settling on the
river Trent, a branch of the Neuse, in North Carolina, where a col-
ony was established in 1707.
New Prance*
For many years the enterprising merchants of La Rochelle had
sent fishing vessels to the regions contiguous to the mouth of the
St. Lawrence River. French commerce being mostly in the hands
s
*' Ravenal Records," page 89.
Baird, Vol. II, page 85.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAr.S OF THE; HUGUENOTS. 29
of the Protestants, their efforts to estabhsh a Huguenot colony in
this part of the New World was quite natural.
In 1602 de Monts, a French Protestant nobleman, secured
from Henry IV. a grant of all the territory between the fortieth and
forty-sixth degrees of north latitude for the purpose of founding a
French colony. This territory was called New France and its
charter secured religious liberty for the colonists. A settlement was
made at Port Royal, in Nova Scotia, in 1604. In 1608, in com-
pany with the noted navigator, Champlain, de Monts founded
Quebec. These and other settlements were, however, soon doomed
to pass from Protestant to Jesuit control. In 16 10 Henry IV., the
friend and patron of the colony, fell at the hands of an assassin,
and in a short time thereafter de Monts was compelled to relinquish
his office as Viceroy of New France. From force of circumstances,
not necessary to relate here, he transferred his rights to the terri-
tory to Madame de Guercheville, a devoted Catholic. Under the
new regime the Protestants were more and more restricted until
1633, when they were entirely suppressed. The Jesuits, with fa-
natical zeal, were ever busy making New France a Catholic coun-
try. In suppressing the Huguenots as colonists France committed
an irreparable blunder. By introducing her policy of repression in
her American colonies she checked the emigration to them, while a
great number of the best colonists removed to the neighboring New
England settlements.
The settlements of Acadia (Nova Scotia) had some immunity
from the harsher persecution prevalent on the St. Lawrence.
Claude de la Tour, of the noble house of Bouillon, and his son
Charles, who were early leaders of the Port Royal colony, were the
chief factors in this amelioration, which continued until the death
of Charles in 1666.
New Netheriands (New York).
The city of Leyden, in Holland, early became the refuge of
great numbers of Huguenots who introduced various industries which
made the city highly prosperous. The greater number of these
refugees were Walloons, who established a strong congregation in
1584. Most intimate relations existed between these Walloons and
the English Separists or Puritans, who were then living there invol-
untary exile.
Walloons and Puritans alike directed their eyes towards Amer-
ica as the best field in which to realize their hopes of founding colo-
nies in which to enjoy their religious faith unmolested, and hence
Leyden became a center from which emanated several movements
most potent in shaping the destinies of the New World.
Hosted by
Google
30 MEMORIAI3 01? tHE HUGUEJNOTS.
The Puritans accordingly obtained a colonial patent from the
Virginia Company, and on August 5, 1620, left Delft Harbor, the
seaport of Leyden, for America. Several Huguenots were in their
number. The landing of these * ' Pilgrims" at Plymouth Rock and the
momentous influence of the colony in the history of this country, is
familiar to the reader. Meanwhile the Walloons followed the ex>
ample of their Puritan brethren. In July, 1621, the English am-
bassador to Holland was petitioned by them for a place of settle-
ment by his government, their desire being to go to Virginia. The
promoter of this movement was Jesse de Forrest, a prominent Wal-
loon of Leyden. This petition and list of signers is still preserved
among the British archives. The negotiations with the English
did not proceed very satisfactorily. Meanwhile the Dutch West
India Trading Company was chartered by the Government of Hol-
land. When the designs of the Huguenots were brought to the no-
tice of the company they were accorded most excellent terms of
settlement. Early in March, 1623, the emigrants, comprising about
thirty families, embarked in the little ship **New Netherlands,"
which, after a propitious voyage, arrived at the mouth of the
Hudson (i),
A settlement was made on Manhattan Island, now New York
city. A number of families proceeded up the river and formed a
settlement called Orange, while four couple, who had been married
at sea, proceeded to an island in the Delaware River. The names
of the passengers on the New Netherlands have unfortunately been
lost, but a comparison with the original list presented to the British
ambassador, already referred to, shows that many of them appear
as among the first citizens of New Netherlands, hence it is probable
that most of them eventually came to America. Although the New
Netherlands was under the control of the Dutch, a very large por-
tion of the colonists were Huguenots whose exact numbers can
never be known.
In 1656 a vessel laden with Waldensian refugees (Vaudois),
sailed for New Netherlands, which was stranded at the entrance of
New York harbor. Many of these unfortunates located on Staten
Island, which eventually became the home of many fellow-Hugue-
nots.
New Paltz, N. Y.
In 1660 Louis du Bois, who had sojourned a number of years
at Manheim in the Palatinate, came to New Netherlands, and with
a number of others established the colony of New Paltz, near the
(i). Documentary Hist, of N. Y., Vol. Ill p. 35.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAIyS OF THK HUGUENOTS. 31
present site at New Kingston, in Ulster County (i). This region
was called *' Esopus," and was a favorite place of settlement for
the Huguenots, and from whence many came to Pennsylvania in
later years.
New Rochelle, a short distance up the Hudson, was likewise a
Huguenot colony and named in honor of the French city of that
name» and from which many of the colonists had come.
In New York the Huguenots worshipped in connection with the
Dutch, but so numerous did they become that in 1652 the Consis-
tory of the Reformed Dutch Church found it necessary to make
special provision for them. About the time of the English occupa-
tion (1664) the French and Waldensians were constituted a separate
charge under the supervision of the Dutch Church. In 1683 Rev.
Pierre Daille took charge of the Huguenot congregations of New
York, New Paltz, etc., and remained their pastor until 1696, when
he took charge of the congregations in Boston, being succeeded by
Rev. De Bon Repos.
New England.
Among the earliest arrivals of Huguenots in New England were
a number of families who settled in Salem perhaps as early as 1660.
They were for the most part from the Channel Islands, whither
they had fled from France. In 1662 Dr. John Touton, of La Ro-
chelle, France, directed a petition to the Governor of Massachu-
setts for permission for himself and a large number of others who
were expelled because of their religion, to settle in that Province (2).
This petition was favorably received and we accordingly find that a
considerable influx of refugees took place. In 1680 agents from
La Rochelle arrived in Boston to gain permission and make ar-
rangements for the settlement of their persecuted people there, and
during the next few years many families arrived in an utterly desti-
tute condition ; collections were taken up in the churches for their
benefit in 1682.
When finally the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685) ex-
tinguished the last vestige of their civil and religious rights, a very
large number, aggregating hundreds, came to Boston prior to 1690.
From this point many scattered to various colonies.
(i). The company were twelve in number, all of whom were Huguenot ex-
iles. The fac simile of their signatures, as also that of the Indian Sachems, may
be seen in Vol. Ill p. 506 Doc. Hist. N. York. The names of the patentees were
Ivouis du Bois and sons Abraham and Isaac, Abraham Haesbroucq, Christian De-
yoe and son.in-law, Simon I^efever, Peter Deyoe, Andreas Lefever, Anthony Ces-
pel, Jean Brocq, Hugo Frere and I,ouis Bevier. Treaty signed May 26, 1677.
(2). Mass. Archives, Vol. X page 208.
Hosted by
Google
32 MKMORIAI.S O^ THK HUGUENOTSc
The Huguenots organized a congregation in Boston as early as
1685, permission being given them to worship in the pubhc school
buildings. In 1705 a site for a church was procured but the edi-
fice was not erected until 171 5. The ministers of the congregation
were Rev. Laurent du Bois, who was succeeded in 1686 by Rev.
David de Bonrepos, a refugee minister from St. Christopher in the
Antilles. In 1696 de Bonrepos was succeeded by Rev. Pierre Daille,
who, since his arrival in America, had ministered to the congrega-
tions in New York. In 1715 this excellent and distinguished exile
died in the sixty-seventh year of his age. Prior to his fiight he had
been a professor in the famous Huguenot Academy of Saumur.
Daille was succeeded by a talented young graduate of the Academy
of Geneva, Andre Le Mercier, a native of Ca^n in Normandy. Le
Mercier died in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1765. The society
maintained its separate existence until about 1748, when nearly all
the original refugees were dead, while the younger generation be-
came affiliated in language and religion with the populace.
In 1687 a company of Huguenots, led by Rev. Daniel Bondet,
made a settlement in the ^^Nipmuck" country about seventy-five
miles west of Boston. There were about fifteen families in the
party, which number was much increased in the course of a year.
They founded the town of New Oxford, built a fort, mill, etc., with
every promise of a permanent establishment. Being on the fron-
tier of the Province it was exposed to the ravages of the Indians,
and after suffering considerably from their savagery it was deemed
best to abandon the settlement, which was done in 1696 and the
inhabitants scattered to other colonies. The ruins of their fort may
still be seen. In 1884 a magnificent monument was erected as a
memorial to the colony on its ancient site. In 1686 an extensive
settlement was made by the Huguenots near the western shore of
Narragansett Bay. The locality was in (now) East Greenwich.
They were accompanied by an able minister, Ezechiel Carre, and a
physician, Pierre Ayrault.
The colonists were very unfortunate in their selection of this
locality for the reason that they could obtain no satisfactory title to
their land, and also that they were surrounded by an element very
unfriendly to them. In 1691 they concluded to abandon the col-
ony, a large number of the settlers going to New York.
The Antilles.
The French Islands in the Caribbean Sea, and known as the
Antilles, became at an early day a landing place for the Huguenots.
In St. Christopher there was a very considerable number of them,
and their church there was a large and influential one. For many
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAIyS OF THK HUGUENOTS.
33
years they had comparative immunity from persecution. All this
was changed, however, in a short space of time. During the Re-
vocation period a large number of Protestants were transported
thither from the home land. Upon arrival they were sold to the
planters and subjected to the most rigorous servitude by their Cath-
olic masters.
In a short time the condition of the Protestants in the French
Antilles was as miserable as that of their brethren in the home land,
and soon a general flight to the English colonies of North America
was begun. Hundreds effected their escape and made their way,
through almost incredible hardships and sufferings, to Charleston,
Philadelphia, New York, Boston and other Huguenot centers, and
many names have been enrolled on our National history whose an-
cestral records come to us from France by way of the Antilles.
CHAPTER V-
The Emigration to Pennsylvania*
The Province as a Place of Refuge — Penn's Object Real-
ized — Quakers — Mennonites — German-Baptist Brethren
— Palatines — Covenanters — Schwenkfelders — Mora-
vians — French Revolutionists — Joseph Priestly, Etc. —
Character of . the Huguenot Emigration — Their Emi-
nent Public Services.
^^ Frofn Delaware's and SchuylkilVs gleam^
A7vay where Susquehanna twines^
And out o'er Allegheny's stream
In places distant fell their lines.
By river and by fountain ^
Where'er they touched this strand^
In wood ayid vale and mountain
-¥
They found a fatherland."
PENNSYLVANIA stands
unique in the history of the
Colonies of the New World
as a place of refuge for the persecuted
and oppressed of the Old. Its estab-
lishment had, in fact, its inception in
the earnest desire of its founder to
[ARMSOFPKNNSYI.VANIA]. ^^^^j^^ ^^ ^^^j^^^ ^^^ ^^j^ j^^ ^^^
people of his own faith, but all other Protestants as well.
Hosted by
Google
34 MKMORIAIvS OF THK HUGUKNOTS.
The *' Holy Experiment " of William Penn constitutes an epoch
in the civil and religious advancement of the human race which will
be sure of more thorough study by future historians as its import-
ance and far-reaching significance is more fully realized. The lit-
erature of this great movement is somewhat scanty and its elements
and character obscure, and must be worked out, in a measure, from
the visible results. It is a fact too generally overlooked that the
founding of Philadelphia by the Quakers in 1682 and Germantown
by the Mennonites under Francis Daniel Pastorius in 1683, was
contemporaneous so far as the original plans of emigration was con-
cerned.
In June, 1694, arrived the famous band of Pietists (Rosecru-
cians) under the leadership of Baron Johannis Kelpius, and formed
their community on the Wissahickon, near Philadelphia, so graphi-
cally described by Julius F. Sachse in his ''German Pietists of
Pennsylvania,"
Scarcely was the success of these initial settlements as-
sured when began the flocking in of thousands and tens of thou-
sands of Palatines from the blood-stained fields and smouldering
ruins of the Valley of the Rhine. The same period witnessed the
incoming of thousands of Covenanters (Scotch-Irish) who made New
Castle their chief landing place, and from whence they pushed
northward and founded the settlements of Octorora, Donegal, Pax-
tang, Marsh Creek, the Cumberland Valley, etc. In 17 19 about
twenty families of the German Baptists (Dunkards) arrived at Ger-
mantown, followed ten years later by the entire parent organization
under the leadership of their founder, Alexander Mack, from
Schwartzenau, Germany, to Pennsylvania, as the result of great
persecution. In 1734 there arrived in Philadelphia from Silesia,
after a wearisome journey on foot through Holland (where they em-
barked), the scattered remnants of the Schwenkfelders to start anew
the work of their beneficent faith among the hills of eastern Penn-
sylvania (i). In 1741 the advance guard of the Moravians arrived
as the result of disquietude in their new settlement in North Caro-
lina, and founded at Bethlehem the largest colony of these excel-
lent people in America. During the dark days of the French Revo-
lution, in 1793, a large number of political exiles, mostly of noble
rank, came to Pennsylvania and founded the town of Asylum, on
the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. Among its promo-
ters was the Viscount, Louis de Noialles, the brother-in-law of La-
fayette. Among the distinguished visitors to this place in 1795 was
(i.) Adherents of the Reformer Casper Von Schwenkfeld, of Silesia (1490-
1561).
Hosted by
Google
^>
MEMORIAI.S OF THK HUGUENOTS. 35
Prince Louis Phillipe, himself an exile then, but who later ascended
the throne of France, and that greatest of French diplomats, Tal-
leyrand, Prince of Benevento, and also the Count de la Rochefou-
cauld. Many of the exiles returned to France when quiet was re-
stored, others remained and gave to us a worthy posterity, among
whom may be mentioned the late Hon. John Laport, one of the fore-
most men of the State. In 1774 the last refugee party arrived from
England with the distinguished Dr. Joseph Priestly (i) at their head.
About the close of the Provincial period a small but exception-
ally brilliant coterie of French people graced the city of Philadel-
phia. Many of them were of the highest nobility who had fled
hither from the horrors of the French Revolution. Inasmuch as
they were political refugees a further notice of them would not be
germane to this work. Another class, however, must not be passed
by. Among the French allies who came to assist in the achieve-
ment of our Independence were many who remained in America to
enjoy its freedom. Among the prominent men of this class were
Dr. Felix BrunOy a foster brother to Lafayette, an account of
whom is elsewhere given in this work. Major Peter S. Dupon-
ceau (2) Louis Crousillat (3) Simon Vallerchamp (4) Pierre Javin
(i). Dr. Joseph Priestly was born in 1733 and was one of the greatest men of
his times. By his discovery of oxygen in 1774 he laid the foundation of modern
chemistry. In consequence of his religious and political views a mob wrecked his
house and destroyed his laboratory and valuable library in Birmingham, England.
Soon after this sad event he emigrated to Northumberland, in Pennsylvania, being
accompanied by a number of his friends. He continued his scientific and theo-
logical labors here until his death in 1804.
(2). DuponceaUy Pierre S.j was born on the Isle of Rhe, France, in 1760, his
father being an officer then stationed at that place. He was given an excellent
education, and when still a youth was fired with an ambition to come to America
and assist the struggling Colonies. He took a position as an aide on the staff of
Baron Steuben and serv^ed in that capacity from 1777 to 1779 when, becoming an
American citizen, he accepted a position as a secretary in the Foreign Office of the
Colonial Government. He was a great student and became celebrated as a law-
yer, linguist and scientist, and was the President of the American Philosophical
Society many years. He died in Philadelphia in 1844.
(3). Crousillat, Louis Martial Jacques^ was born at Salon, France, 1757.
Came to Philadelphia in 1780 and entered the Continental service. After the war
he entered the mercantile businCvSS and amassed a fortune. He was noted for his
benevolence, and died in Philadelphia in 1836.
(4). Simon Vallerchamp was born in I,orraine June 29, 1751. His father,
who was wealthy, died when his only son Simon was but fourteen years of age.
The youth, who was left to shift for himself, finally drifted to Paris. He joined
the expedition of I^afayette in aid of the American colonies and served throughout
the war as an officer. He was wounded seven times, which eventually caused his
death. Upon his return to France he found that his only sister had been put into
a convent against her will, and he having imbibed Protestant principles found it
unsafe to remain, and so returned to America. In Philadelphia he married a
daughter of General Thomas Bond. She died early, and he then married Hannah
Dodson and removed to Huntingdon, in Luzerne county. While preparing to re-
turn to France to settle up the family estate one of his wounds, which had never
healed, became suddenly worse, and he died in consequence July 12, 1825.
Hosted by
Google
36 MKMORIAI.S OF the; HUGUENOTS.
(i) and Frederick de Sanno (2).
Pennsylvania may also pride herself in the citizenship of such
renowned Frenchmen as Stephen Girard (3) Pierre dit Sivietere
(4) and JoJui Jauies Aiidicbon (5) who not only left the fruits of
their industry but also the example of a noble life as enduring
legacies to posterity.
A considerable number of Huguenot names may be traced to
the heroes of the Duke de Shomburg, who fought with William,
Prince of Orange, at the battle of the Boyne (1690). Some of
these soldiers (or their descendants) came to Pennsylvania with the
Scotch-Irish. Of such immigrants came the families Brevard, de
Cesna, Douthett^ Lamont, Lilou, Pickens (6) de Armaiid and
Pierie.
In all those incoming bodies of immigrants, expatriated from
their native land by the mailed hand of religious intolerance, were
a considerable number of Huguenots, as will be seen in succeeding
(i). Pierre Javin was born of wealthy parentage in Paris in 1757, and was
given a good education. He served with distinction with Lafayette in the Ameri-
can Revohition and was severely wounded by a sword thrust. Becoming a Pro-
testant he concluded to remain in America. He married in Reading, Pa., and was
one of the pioneer settlers of Crawford county, where he died about 1821, leaving
an honored posterity.
(2). Frederick de Sanno located in Bucks county. His son, Frederick Jr.,
was a Lutheran minister and author of note. In 1805 he became pastor of the
Lutheran Church in Carlisle, Pa. Later he removed to Philadelphia and died
there. Major William de Sanno, another son of the immigrant, served with dis-
tinction in the war of j8i2 and was severely wounded at the battle of Lundy's
Lane. Through General Scott he was made commandant of the Carlisle Barracks
in 1826, a position which he retained until his death in 1865.
(3). Girard^ Stephen — 1 750-1881. Was born at Bordeaux, France, and es-
tablished himself in Philadelphia as a merchant in 1777. He amassed a vast for-
tune as a shipping merchant and was identified with all the leading enterprises of
his adopted city. At his death he bequeathed his fortune to various charities.
His greatest monument is Girard College, which he established for the education
of orphans with an endowment of several millions of dollars.
(4). Du Simetere, Pierre Eugene, was born of Huguenot parentage at Ge-
neva, Switzerland. He was a man of rare talents and excelled in many arts.
Among his accomplishments was that of a naturalist, botanist, mineralogist, an-
tiquarian, annalist and artist. About 1750 he went to the West Indies where he
occupied himself in various researches. He came to New York in 1764 and to
Philadelphia in 1766, making the latter city his home. His paintings and draw-
ings of eminent men of his times are justly celebrated.
(5). Audubon, John Ja^tnes, born in America 178O, was a vSon of Admiral Au-
dubon, who served in the American Revolution. In 1798 he came to poSvSess an
estate near Philadelphia, purchased by his father, and where he lived many years.
He died in 185 1. As a naturalist he has probably never been excelled, and his
works on American ornithology and zoology were regarded as stupendous produc-
tions.
(6). Joh7i and Andrew Pickens were early settlers at Paxtang, in now Dau-
phin county. Here was born September 19, 1739, Major General Andrew Pick-
ens, of the Revolution War. He was a son of Andrew. About 1741 the brothers
migrated to Augusta county, in Virginia, and in 1752 Andrew removed from thence
to the Waxhaw settlement in South Carolina.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
chapters. Their emigration to Pennsylvania was somewhat differ-
ent from that of their coreh'gionists in other parts of America, as
most of them came with the German speaking Swiss and Palatines
with whom they, or their fathers, had sojourned after their flight
from France. Many had already exchanged their French names
for a German equivalent and also adopted the language of their
German friends.
We have, however, reason to believe that by far the greater
number of them still clung to the faith for which they and their
fathers suffered, as a considerable number of the names given in
this work occur in the Reformed Church records of the Provincial
period.
Galley Slaves.
In this connection we record a circumstance which has doubt-
less a vital connection with the emigration of many Huguenots to
America. In 1896 when Henry S. Dodderer, of Philadelphia, was
making researches in the archives of Dortrecht, in Holland, he dis-
covered a printed list of Huguenot galley slaves who had been re-
leased by order of Louis XIV. of France on condition that they
leave the realm (i). It may be inferred from this that many of
these unfortunates were deported to Holland.
Besides the name of the victim there was also given his official
number and the term of years he had suffered. This list is not
only a silent witness of the many years of suffering but also of the
great numbers of the Huguenot galley slaves.
In addition to those released there was also a list of many who
were not released. The reasons why this list, which comprises but
a small fraction of the entire number was made, we may never
know. The highest number appearing was Jean Guillaume (John
Williams) 39,336. A number had already served a period of twen-
ty-seven years. Does the reader fully comprehend what the fore-
going number and years means ? No, we cannot at this late day
realize its full significance ! The recent persecution of the Armeni-
ans and the onslaught of the Chinese on the missionaries, which re-
cently shocked the whole civilized world, are insignificant incidents
compared with the persecution of the Huguenots. This list is of
vital interest to us as many of the names are identified with some
that appear in this work, and we are irresistibly led to infer, as al-
ready said, that some at least are identical as to persons.
As a striking example we herewith append a few names, all of
which are represented in the emigrant list of this work : Barree,
(i). See *' Historical Notes," Vol. I by Henry S. Dodderer.
Hosted by
Google
38 MEMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
BlciJic, Boyer, Bourell, Bertrand, Bouchee, Bertow, Chapelle, Cor-
bier, Clevel, Dasser, Diirand, de Mars, Folquier, GacJion, Gait-
tier, Giiillaume, Mallet, Martiel, de Marcellin, Melon, Mariler,
Perrier, Peritier, Prujiier, Peret, Re7ieait, Reno la Roue, Sauvety
de Turk, Valet, Vincet, etc.
The Piedmontese.
The persecution of the Protestants in Piedmont was of the
most terrible character, and the most shocking and unheard of
methods of torture were adopted by their enemies. A large num-
ber escaped and found refuge in Protestant countries. Holland
seems to have given asylum to a very large number. Public meas-
ures for their relief were adopted as late as 1710. Amsterdam and
other cities of the Low Countries were congested with Piedmontese
and other Huguenot refugees, and from these countries doubtless
came a large number of emigrants to Pennsylvania and whose an-
cestors are said to have ' ' fled to Holland and from thence came to
America."
We herewith give the names of a few Piedmontese martyrs who
perished for their Protestant faith in consequence of the Edict of
1655 : Marie de Armand was flayed alive ; David de Arniand ^2JSi
compelled to lay his head on a block when a soldier crushed it with
a hammer ; his brother Paul was also killed ; aged Jacob Perrine,
an elder of the church at Villars, and his brother David were flayed
alive ; Bartholomew, John, and Ludwig Durante Daniel Nevel
and Paul Re?iaud (Reno) met a shocking death by having their
mouths filled with gunpowder which was exploded ; Jacob Birone,
a teacher, met a death too horrible to relate ; Lucia du Bisson,
wife of Peter who was killed, fled to the Alps with two small chil-
dren. In the forest alone she gave birth to another child. Owing
to cold and hunger all her children perished, while she alone, of all
her family, reached a place of safety.
Daniel Rambaut (Rambo), an aged elder of Villaro, suffered
death in a way too shocking to relate ; Baptist litre, Paul Gamier^
Magdalena Pierre, Joseph Pont, Paul Clement, Daniel Benech,
all met death in a dreadful manner. The reader will find all these
Piedmontese names represented in our immigrant list to Pennsyl-
vania. In the city of Nismes, in another part of France, and at a
much later period, Oliver Desmond, a minister eighty years of age,
was killed ; also Louis Le Char (now Lesher), and a family named
Chasseur,
As already said, we are irresistibly led to the conclusion that
there is in many instances a connection between these martyr fam-
Hosted by
Google
MHMORIAI<S OF Tun HUGUENOTS. 39
ilies here and elsewhere noted, and immigrants of a similar name
who have traditions of persecuted and martyred ancestors.
A study of the Huguenot emigration to Pennsylvania indicates
that in many instances large and well organized parties came to-
gether with the evident purpose of contiguous settlement. This
fact presupposes conferences and maturing of plans before their de-
parture from Europe. Doubtless in many instances there were
family ties and bonds of friendship formed in their own native
France which were continued during their exile in various Protestant
countries and contributed largely to the reuniting of the many con-
nectional links that are so frequently met with in America.
The first distinctively Huguenot colony to come to Pennsylva-
nia was that of Madame Ferree, for whom a large body of land
was surveyed in Lancaster county in 1710. Her party came with
many others under the leadership of Rev. Joshua Kocherthal (i)
landing in New York in 1709. Most of these, after a brief stay in
Ulster county, came to Pennsylvania. Madame Ferree, with her
family, including her son John and son-in-law, Isaac Lefever, with
their families, came to Pequea. Hubert Hubertson came to the
Schuylkill Valley as early as 1709 (2) while Isaac de Turk and
others went to Oley in 171 2. Both places immediately became
centers of emigration.
An examination of the emigrant lists in Volume XVII. Penna.
Archives (2d series), very readily discloses a large number of
Huguenot parties. As an illustration of this we subjoin a number
of lists of names compiled from a few shiploads of ** Foreigners."
Many more such lists as follow might be given :
In ship ''Princess Augustus^' September 16, 1736 — Jean
Comer, Sebastian and Dietrick Coquelin, Pierre Delon, Nicholas
Gerard, Jean Francois Christean, Collas Drasbart, Joseph and Da-
vid Noel, Francois and Nicholas Orth.
In ship '' Loyal Juditky'' ^ovemhev 26^ 1740 — Conrade Douay,
John Conde, Fred Laurans, Bernett Saye, John H. Leshire, John
Angell.
In ship '' Neptune,'' Ocidbev 25, 1746 — Jean Duestro, Fran-
cois Conreau, Pierre Vintvas, Arenne Consul, Pierre and Joseph
Gerro, Saul Ruibec, Alexander Gibbo.
(i). See Rev. Joshua Kocherthal's petition to Queen Ann, of England, for
relief for himself and his party, distressed by the invasion and ravages of the
French army (Documentary Hist, of N. Y., Vol. V. p. 44. List of his party see p.
52). Kocherthal was pastor of a church near Lindau, Bavaria. Queen Anii gave
them substantial aid and they were naturalized before leaving England. Kocher-
thal died in Esopus, N. Y. in 17 19.
(2). This year he signed a petition for a road to Manatawny. See " Perkio-
men Region," Vol. II p. 135.
Hosted by
Google
40 MKMORIAT^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
In ship ''Phoenix,'' September 15, 1749 — Daniel Duvall, Fran-
cois and Adam Grandaden, Humber Benoit, Joseph Contour, Abra-
ham Chedron, Jean La Motte, Nicholas Daton, Joseph Charlier,
Jacob and Herman La Tour, Andre De Grange, Francois Hognon.
In ship ' ' Brotherhoody'' ^ovemhQV 3, 1750 — Joseph and Peter
Fahrne, Paul Tomel, Pierre and Isaac Paris, Pierre Delabach,
Henri Jeune.
In ship ** /^^//V;^^^," September 9, 1751 — Isaac Reno, Michael
Harcourt, Christian Galle, Jean Henri Pierre, Pierre Balmas,
Matthieu Morrett, Eberhart Chapelle.
In ship ''Phoenix,'' November 22, 1752 — Jean Jacques, Adam
Le Roy, Daniel and John La Wall, Jean Lanblene, Pierre Gul-
liame, David Jochnal, Gulliaume Sebrick, Jean Botisman.
In ship "Patience^" September 17, 1753 — Pierre Armeson,
Jacques Balme, Jean Bennett, Jacques Berger, Jacques Bach, Eti-
enne Brun, Jeremie and Jean Pierre Chapelle, Pierre Rochon, Paul
Caffarel, Jacques Courier, Pierre Gautier, Mattieu Ture, Lorie Ne-
ron, Charles Shownet, Jean Jaques Servier, Jean Richardson,
Jaques Sanguinet.
In ship "Nancy," September 14, 1754 (Lorraines) — Abraham
and Charles Huguelot, Simon Keppler, Fred Showay, Antoine Ho-
gar, Jeannia Quipic, Peter Ramie, John Seyser, Abram Joray, Abra-
ham Gobat, Christian Cally, Pierre Vautie, Jean Pierre Monin, Sr. ,
Jean Pierre Monin, Jr., [David Marchand, Abraham and Alexander
Zuille, Pierre, Jean Christian and J. N. Pechin, Phillip Sponseller,
John Geo. Steubesant, Abraham and Adam Le Roy, Abram De Die,
Abram Bouthert, Jean Periter, Sr. , Jean Periter, Jr., Francois La
Mar, Jaques Barberat, Pierre Greine, Jean Mathiot, Jean Jaques
Allemand, Alphonse Louis Willeman, Frantz Philip Weis.
In the Public Service.
There is perhaps no aspect of the history of the Huguenots in
America that impresses the historian more profoundly than the
record of their public service. In the present instance we will con-
fine ourselves to the consideration of their distinguished services in
Pennsylvania. In the study of this subject we meet with astonish-
ing results, which can only be accounted for on the assumption of
exceptional excellency of character and patriotism. Although the
weakest of the recognized elements of our Provincial population we
have the following marvelous record of public service :
In the War of the Revolution Philadelphia furnished in the
person of Elias Boudinot a President, and in Michael Hillegas the
first Treasurer of the Nation ; also Major General Daniel Rober-
deau, of the same city, and Brigadier General Philip de Haas, of
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI.S Olf THE HUGUKNOTS. 41
Lebanon. Besides the foregoing they furnished _/f//^^;^ colonels for
the Revolution besides a proportionate number of officers of lesser
rank.
To enumerate we have Col. John Bayard and his nephew,
Col. Stephen Bayard, both of Philadelphia but of a Delaware fam-
ily, Col. John Ferree, Col. Joel Ferree, Col. Francis Mentges, Col.
Henry Haller, Col. Adam Hubley (son of Bernard Hubley), Col.
Adam Hubley (son of Michael Hubley), and Major Michael Ferree,
all from Lancaster ; Col. John Hay and Captain Michael Doutel,
who led the first Pennsylvania company to the seat of war, were
from York ; Col. John de Cessna and his brother, Col. Charles de
Cessna, were from Bedford ; Col. Abraham La Bar, Col. Stephen
Balliet and Major Marien La Mar, who fell at Paoli, were from
Northampton ; Col. Sebastian Le Van, Col. Daniel Utrie, Major
George Lorah and Adjutant Philip Bertoletwere from Berks county.
This same preponderating prominence is shown in other lines of
public service of which we will only name the Judiciary.
The closing years of the past and opening years of the present
century will illustrate this feature. We may note Judge S. LesHe
Mestrezat, of the Supreme, and former Governor James A. Beaver,
of the Superior Court ; Judge Cyrus L. Pershing, Judge J. W. Bit-
tenger and Judge Dimmer Beeber, all of whom, with the exception
of Judge Mestrezat, descend from Alsatians. Then also Judge de
Pew La Bar.
CHAPTER VI.
The Lower Delaware.
The First White Residents of Pennsylvania Huguenots —
Settlement of the Lower Delaware Region — French and
Waldensian Refugees — Peter Minuit, the Governor and
OTHER Officers — Huguenots — Bohemia Manor Phila-
delphia AND GeRMANTOWN.
** Our boast is not that we deduce our birth
From loins enthroned and rulers of the earth ;
But higher far our proud pretentions rise —
The sons of parents passed into the skies, ^*
3T is a remarkabls fact that the first white residents of Penn-
sylvania were Huguenots ! In May, 1623, Jesse De Forrest,
a Walloon, at the head of a large party of his countrymen,
arrived in New York Bay under the auspices of the West India
Hosted by
Google
42 MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Trading Company, and founded the city of that name. Among this
party, composed of about thirty families, were four young couple
who were married during the voyage and who, soon after their arri-
val, were sent to form a trading station on the Delaware River.
There is some disagreement among historians as to the location of
this station. The best authorities locate it on an island which is
now almost washed away and situated on the Pennsylvania side
just below Trenton Falls. After a residence here of several years
they abandoned the place.
The region ceded to William Penn in 1681 and now known as
Pennsylvania, originally embraced the three counties comprising the
State of Delaware, and not until 1703 was it erected into a separate
Colony. This region, which was successively under Swedish and
Dutch occupation, had a considerable population prior to Penn's
arrival. Among the settlers were a large number of French and
Waldensian refugees who mostly came between 1654 and 1663.
The names of many have been irrecoverably lost, while many who
were unquestionably Huguenots are erroneously classed as Dutch
and Swedes in the early records.
It is a remarkable circumstance that nearly all the officials of
the Colony under both the Swedish and Dutch occupation were of
Huguenot antecedents. The distinguished list begins with the Gov-
ernor, Peter Mutuit, and whose history is invested with a mourn-
ful interest. His parents, who were of the French nobility, fled to
Holland during the early stages of the Huguenot persecution. Min-
uit early entered the service of the Dutch Republic and was a very
capable officer, serving as the second Director of New Netherlands.
When the Delaware Colonies fell under the dominion of Sweden
he was appointed Governor, in which capacity he served from April
28, 1638, to January 30, 1640. He founded the town of Christi-
ana in Delaware, and where he died in 1641.
Another Huguenot who shed lustre on his race was Jean Paul
Jacquett (i) who, in 1654, settled at the **Long Hook," near Wil-
mington. The Dutch having repossessed themselves of the Dela-
ware Colonies the Governor of New Amsterdam (New York) in 1655
appointed Jacquett as Vice Director of the same. In 1676 he was
constituted a Justice. From the various references to him in the
histories of the Colonies we are led to infer that he was a man of
considerable distinction. He died after 1684 at an advanced age.
His great grandson, Major Peter Jacquett (1754 -1834), was a gal-
lant soldier of the Revolutionary War.
(i). Pa. Mag. of Hist., XIII 271. Later researches show that he was born in
Nuremberg of French parentage
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI^ OF THE HUGUENOTS. 43
Joost de la Grange was also a man of prominence in the Col-
ony. He is said to have been one of ** three brothers" who fled
from Normandy to Holland, and from whence they came to Amer-
ica in 1656. In 1662 it seems he purchased Tinicum Island. His
title thereto being contested after his death his son Arfwldus ad-
dressed a statement in relation to the matter to Governor Andros in
£678(1).
Alexander Boyer, a Huguenot, was Deputy Commissary of the
Colony in 1648 and a man of great prominence for many years.
Captain John de Haes was one of the most notable officials of
the Delaware Colony. In 1673 he was made a Commissioner to
receive quit rents and in 1674 Collector of Customs at New Castle,
and in 1678 was made a Justice (2).
In the limits of New Castle county, particularly in Red Lion
Hundred, the Huguenots formed a considerable element of the
population. We herewith give such names as we have recovered,
deeply regretting that the identity of so many seems to be irrecov-
erably lost.
Among the first settlers on the Delaware were the refugee
brothers, Jacques, Hypolite and Jeaji Le Fever. The first named
had been an officer in the French army (3).
Gerrit Rutan was a prominent resident prior to 1660 (4).
Daniel Routte was located in Kent county prior to 1683, and John
du Bois prior to 1694. In Blackbird Hundred settled Elie Natidin
in 1698, whose father, also Elie, fled from La Tremblade in 1682
with wife and several small children and took refuge in Southamp-
ton, England. Arnold ($) a brother to the Delaware emigrant,
located in New York.
At Murder Creek Hundred, in Kent county, settled Jo/in Gru-
well, whose sons John and Jacob established the family name (6).
In West Dover settled the three brothers, Daniel, James and Wil-
liam Voshell (7). Dr. des Jardi7ies, who settled in this region
prior to 1683, had fled to England where he was naturalized. The
Casho family came from Jacob Casho, whose father fled to Ger-
(i). Penna Arch., VII p. 778.
(2). Penna. Arch.
a). Biog. Hist, of Del., Vol. I p. 536.
(4). Abraham Rutan, doubtless a relative, in 1682 escaped from France to
Germany, from whence he came, to New York. Some of his descendents located
in Washington county, Pa., from which branch came the late Hon. James S.
Rutan, Bx-Speaker of the State Senate.
(5). Baird's Hug. Em., II p. 35.
(6). Biog. Hist, of Del., II p. 813.
(7). Augustine and Peter Voshell, Huguenots, came to N. Y. with the Pala-
tines in 1700.
Hosted by
Google
44 MKMORIAI.S OF THK HUGUENOTS.
many at the Revocation, and from whence Jacob came to Delaware
and settled at Wilmington. During the Revolution he was an in-
terpeter on the stai^ of Lafayette (i).
Laurens Rochia, the founder of a well-known family, fled from
France to Ireland and from thence he came to Delaware. Rich-
ard Saye, of Nisms, arrived in 1686. Prior to 1677 appear the
names of Philipe Chevalier, Henri Clerq, Albert Blocq, Math.
d'Ri7ig, Mosis de Gan, Hubert Laurans, Paul Mincq (2). To the
foregoing may be added the following Colonial families whose names
and traditions all point to a Huguenot origin. Nearly all of them
were established in Delaware prior to 1700: Jean Savoy, Bellevill,
Cammon, Bassett, Cazier, Deto, La Pierre, La Forge, Le Covipte
{La Count), Larue, Sees, Settojz, Janvier, Du Chesney {Dushane)
(3) Vigoure, Tunnell, Le Croix, Hueling (4).
(i). Biog. Ency. of Del.
(2). Penna. Mag. of Hist., Ill 352.
(3). There was a family of this name ennobled in Picardy (** Science des Ar-
moiries," p. 5).
(4). The Htilin^ Family in America. — This family ranks very high in France
and several branches belong to the nobility. A large number of this name were
of the ProtCvStant faith and were scattered to many lands during the Huguenot
persecution. Several fled to England prior to the Revocation, from whence came
Abraham and William to New Jersey in 1674. The latter was married in Burling-
ton county in 1680 and died 1713 (vide Lit. Era, Vol. VIH p. 569). James Huling
died in Newport, R. I. 1687. Francois Huling and wife Elizabeth were members
of the Huguenot Church in New York in 1694 (Coll. Hug. Soc. of Am., Vol. I).
Elias Hulin, a French mariner, located at Marblehead, Mass., about 1741. Am-
brose Hulin was one of the refugees to South Carolina, while George Hulin came
to Pennsylvania in 1750 with the Germans.
Our chief aim has been to trace the so-called Swedish branch of this family,
from which a very large number of prominent persons in America descend. The
account of this family prior to its arrival here is gathered from dates preserved
by widely divergent branches and originally drawn from family records before its
dispersion two centuries ago. The genealogical part is derived from official
records and therefore correct.
All accounts agree that the ancestor of this family was the Marquis Jean Paul
Frederick de HulinguCvS, a young Huguenot nobleman of the old French Province
of Beam, who was a companion of Henry of Navarre and attached to his court.
During the sojourn of Navarre at the court at Paris the young Marquis became
betrothed to Isabella du Portal, a lady in waiting to Catharine de Medici. It was
at this period that the awful massacre of St. Bartholomew took place (1572). By a
reference to the chapter covering this event the reader will learn that the King of
Navarre saved his life by renouncing the Protestant faith. Many of his friends,
however, were put to death. The Marquis de Hulingues and his affianced wife,
however, made their escape to Dieppe where they were married. Here they took
a vessel and put to sea. Adverse winds, however, drove them far beyond their
original destination, and they landed in Sweden where they were taken under the
protection of the court. The Marquis had but one son whose name is not known.
A grandson was Lars, (Laurence), Huling who came with the Swedish immi-
grants to the Delaware sometime prior to 1640. Only two sons of the immigrant
are definitely known. They were Laurans and Marcus (ist), both of whom resided
in Gloucester county, New Jersey. In the records ©f this county is (i) the will of
Laurens Hulings dated Aug. 25, 1700. His wife Katharine was the sole legatee.
(2) Will of Laurens Hulings, proved June 4th, 1748. Legatees, sons Laurens,
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THK HUGUENOTS. 45
Bohemia Manor.
In 1683-4 arrangements were perfected for the planting of a
colony of Labadists (i) in America. The commissioners of the
Labadists secured for that purpose a large tract of land situated on
the Elk river at the head of Chesapeake Bay in Cecil county,
Maryland, but at that time claimed by Penn to be within the limits
of his grant. This tract was named after its original owner,
Augustine Herrman, a Bohemian, to whom Lord Baltimore had
granted it in 1666. Very little information concerning this colony
has come down to us. Its members came from various parts of
Europe, some of them being French. After a precarious existence
of several decades the society dissolved and was absorbed in the
general populace, upon the death of their bishop, Petrus Sluyter,
about 1726. Among the original grantees of the Labadists tract
1683, were two men of eminent Huguenot antecedents. They
were Arnoldus De la Gratige, whose father as we have seen was
a prominent official under the Dutch and Swedish occupation.
The other was Peter Bayard, the founder of a family from which
has come a long line of soldiers, scholars, and statesmen, and who
have shed lustre on the pages of American history.
The Bayard family of France was of a noble rank, and in the
Reformation period ranged itself on the side of the Protestant Faith.
During the period of the massacre of St. Bartholmew (i 572), an emi-
nent divine of the Bayard family fled to Amsterdam where the name
Michael, Abraham, Israel, Joseph, Marcus and dau. Dinah. Executors, his
brother Mich. Hulings of Philadelphia and son Abraham.
Marcus (ist) Hulings second known son of the immigrant died in Gloucester
Co. prior to 1700, leaving known sons Marcus (2nd), and Laurens. Marcus (2nd)
married Margaret, a dau. of Mouns Jones and with his father-in-law removed to
the Swedish settlement of Molatton on the Schuylkill river where the village of
Douglassville, in Berks county, Pennsylvania is located. Here the Jones house
dated 1716, may still be seen in a good state of preservation.
Marcus Huling (2nd) died here in 1757, aged 70 years. His children were (i)
Mouns, who died prior to this father, leaving children John, b, 1743, and Mary,
b, 1747, who m. George Thomas in 1767. (2) Marcus (3rd), (3) Bridget, (4)
Maudlin, (5) John, and (6) Andrew.
Of the foregoing Marcus (3rd) located prior to 1754 at the mouth of the
Juniatti river where he had a considerable estate, including a mill at the mouth of
Sherman's creek. He appears prominently in the records of the frontier wars,
and died in 1788. His children were (i) Marcus (4th) who erected the first house
where Milton now stands in 1772, (2) Mary m — Stewart, (3) Samuel, (4) James and
(5) Thomas. The latter was the executor of his will and gained possession of the
estates. Among the many distinguished men of the Marcus Huling line is Gen.
J. Willis Huling, of Oil City, Pa., who has the distinction of leading into action in
Porto Rico the only Pennsylvania regiments engaged in the Spanish-American war.
(i). Jean de Labadie, the founder of the order of I^abadists, was born in France
in 1610, and was reared as a clerical, becoming a Protestant he served for some
years as a minister at Montauban. Because of erratic views he was repudiated by
the Reformed Communion, whereupon he founded a new and peculiar monastic
sect which became extinct in about a half century.
Hosted by
Google
46 MHMORIAI.S Olf THK HUGUENOTS.
became established, and from whence a number came to America.
A descendent became the wife of Peter Stuvesant, the last gover-
nor of New York, under the Dutch occupation, and whose brother-
in-law, Samuel Bayard, established the name in America.
The immigrant had three sons, Nicholas and Balthassar^ who
became prominent citizens of New York, and Petery who came to
Bohemia Manor, and founded the Delaware branch.
Among the notable descendants of the latter was Colonel John
Bayard, of the Revolution. A gallant soldier who was commended
by General Washington for bravery in action, and also Colonel
Stephen Bayard, (1743-18 15), a nephew of the foregoing, and like-
wise an officer of high merit. In late years came James A.
Bayard. James A. Bayard, the diplomat, who negotiated the
Treaty of Ghent in 18 14, which closed the war of 181 2, and also
Thomas F. Bayard, Embassador to England under the administra-
tion of President Cleveland.
Another distinguished member of the Labadist Colony was
Legide Bouchelle, who died subsequent to 1700. His widow
became the second wife of Bishop Petrus Sluyter. Upon the death
of Bishop Sluyter, Dr, Peter Bouchelle, his wife's son by her first
husband became his sole heir to the extensive interests of Bohemia
Manor. Dr. Bouchelle died in North Carolina in 1799, at an
advanced age.
Du Pont.
The Du Pont family, of America, is of old and eminent
stock, and spring from the nobility of France. The first of the
name in America was Abraham Du Pont who first fled to England,
and from thence removed to the Huguenot Colony on the Santee
in South Carolina about 1694. His son, Gideon^ devised the
method of rice culture that has made this industry one of the great-
est sources of wealth, and a boon to mankind.
The Delaware branch came from Pierre Samuel Du Pont Du
Nemours, (a grand nephew of Abraham above mentioned), who
was born in Paris, Dec. 14th, 1739, whose people still clung to
the Huguenot faith. He was an eminent scientist, political econo-
mist and statesman, and in a long career, bore many high and
responsible governmental offices.
Owing to the turbulence of the times, he and his confreres,
including his sons, passed through many vicissitudes, and on several
occasions he narrowly escaped death, while many of his associates
were less fortunate. He was an ardent supporter of King Louis
XVI, and on the memorable Aug. loth, 1792, with his son
Eluthere Irene ^ (i 771- 1834), engaged in the defense of the person
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 47
of the King. He escaped the fury of the mob, and was secreted
in the dome of the Paris observatory by the astronomer La Land
until Sept. 2nd, during which time he wrote '' The Philosophy of
the Universe.''
When quiet was restored he again entered public life, and
soon came in conflict with the anarchistic elements, under the
leadership of Robespierre. On July 20, 1794, he was cast into
prison, and condemned to be beheaded, but escaped that fate by
the timely death of Robespierre, on July 28th.
Owing to the continued political disturbances he emigrated to
America in 1799, but returned to France in 1802, and again came
to this country upon the escape of Napolean from Elbe, and died
in Delaware, Aug. 7, 181 7.
As an author and statesman, he was one of the foremost men
of his times, and when wearied with battling for peace and reform
in his own land, he was invited by several sovereigns of Europe, to
locate in their realms. He was a great support to the American
Colonies in their struggle for freedom. He was Chief of the Secret
Diplomatic Service, and through his instrumentality the Treaty of
Peace was brought about in 1783, by which the independence of
the Colonies was recognized by England. He was also the chief
instrument in the sale of Louisiana to the United States in 1803.
His son Eluthree Irene, founded the great powder mills near
Wilmington, Delaware, in 1801, at which most of the powder used
by the United States Government since that time has been manu-
factured.
Victor Marie Du Pont De Nemours, (1767- 1827), eldest son
of the statesman was also a man of prominence and for many years
in the diplomatic service. In 1800 he resigned his positions and
came to Delaware, where he united his interests with the rest of
his family.
Several of the family have been very prominent in the afifairs
of their State and Nation. Among others we may mention Commo-
dore Samuel Francis Du Pont, (1803- 1865), whose achievements
in the Civil War added new lustre to the naval history of our
country.
Henry Du Pont, (1812-1889), and Col, Henry Algernon Du
Pont, (b-1838), a graduate of the National Military School at West
Point, a distinguished soldier of the Civil War and prominent in
public affairs ever since, have fully maintained the high character
of the family.
Hosted by
Google
48 MKMORIA.I<S OV THK HUGUKNOTS.
Philadelphia and Vicinity.
The residence of Huguenots in Philadelphia is coeval with its
founding, and it may be truly said that the city has had no more
valuable citizens than the expatriated sons of France and their
descendants. Some of them came with the Colonists from England
where they, or their fathers, were naturalized, others came from
older Colonies, while others came directly from France.
Among the original citizens were Edimind Du Castle, John
De La Vail diVid Aftdreiv Doz. The later was a refugee and was
brought over by William Penn as his vine dresser. In 1690 (i) he
was granted a plantation of two hundred acres of land, and includ-
ing the vine yards on the Schuylkill river by the founder, for his
services. His grandson, also named Andrew, was a very public
spirited citizen and magnificently endowed a number of charitable
and religious institutions in his native city.
Gabriel Rappe and Nicholas Reboteau of the Isle of Rhe, and
Andrezv Imbert of Nisms, were naturalized in 1683.
Samuel Robinett also appears as one of the first citizens. The
Robinetts were originally from the Isle of Rhe, from whence they
fled to England.
At the Revocation Pierre Chevallier of a noble family of
Normandy fled to England. Soon after this date we find a Pierre
Le Chevalier in Charleston, S. C. , and Jean Le Chevalier in New
York, while Philip Chevalier appears in Delaware as early as 1677.
That they were immediate relatives is quite probable. The refugee
to England had a son also named Pierre, who married an English
lady, and who in 1720 came to Philadelphia where he founded an
honorable posterity. (2)
The Boudinot (3) family of de la Tremblade bore a prominent
part in the French Reformation and suffered terribly in conse-
quence. At the Revocation several branches of the family found
their way to America. In 1686 Elias Bondinot located in New
York, from whence a son, also Elias, came to Philadelphia prior to
1735. The latter was the father of Elias Boudinot, (third of the
name), who justly ranks among the great men of his times, and who
is elsewhere noticed in this work.
The Duche (4) family, one of the most eminent in America,
descend from Jacques Duche, who fled from La Rochell to London
(I). Pa. Arch. XIX, 32-35.
(2). Pa. Mag. of Hist. VII, 483.
(3). Ibid. Ill, 191.
(4). Ibid. II, 58.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI,S 01? THK HUGUKNOTS. 49
in 1682, with his wife, Mary, and eight children. The founder of
the American branch was a son, Anthony, who came to Philadel-
phia near 1700, and died in 1762, at a very advanced age. He
left three sons, Anthony, Jr,, who died in 1772, Jacob, born in
Philadelphia in 1708, and died in Lambeth England, in 1788. He
was the father of the Rev. Jacob Duche, an eminent Episcopal
divine, who as rector of Christ Church, Philadelphia, had the
distinction of opening the first Continental Congress with prayer.
Andrew, the youngest son of the immigrant died in Philadelphia
in 1778.
The Benezett family has an honorable record in the history of
the Huguenots, and a number sealed their faith with their lives.
Among the last to suffer was the Rev. J. Benezett, a prominent
minister of Vigan and who was executed at Montpeher in 1752 (i).
In 1 73 1, John Stephen Benezett arrived in Philadelphia. He was
born of noble and distinguished parentage in 1683 i^ Abbeville,
France (2). At the Revocation period his parents fled to Holland,
and from thence to England in 171 5. Upon his arrival in Phila-
delphia, Mr. Benezett became one of the leading citizens and had
the distinction of being the first treasurer of the City. He was
nominally a member of the Society of Friends, but was strongly
attached to the Moravians, and for some time a member of that
body, and on terms of intimacy with its leaders. Count Zinzen-
dorf, their great patron, was frequently entertained by him during
his visit to America in 1742. He had three sons who worthily
represented their distinguished ancestry, James, the eldest, who
located in Bucks county, Samuel, a major in the Revolution, and
Anthony, a noted philanthropist and anti-slavery advocate, and who
is supposed to have written the first anti-slavery work in Ameri-
ca (3). Three daughters married prominent Moravian ministers.
Susan became the wife of Rev. Ch. Pyrlaeus, Judith married Rev.
David Bruce and another became the wife of Rev. Jacob Lischey,
who died in York county.
The Suplee family of Pennsylvania derives its origin from
Andros Souplis, a young officer of the French army and of dis-
tinguished parentage. In 1682 he made his escape to Germany
where he was married to Gertrude Stressinger. In 1684 he came
to Philadelphia. He was a man of great intelligence and ability,
and stood high in the estimation of William Penn. He had but
one son, Andrew, who changed the name to its present form.
(i). Browning's Hist, of the Huguenots, p. 321.
(2). Memorials of the Moravian Church, Vol. I, p. 171.
(3). "Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes.** (Phila. 1754.)
Hosted by
Google
50 MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Isaac Roberdeau, a refugee from fhe island of St. Christopher
in the Antilles, arrived in Philadelphia at an early day. His son,
Daniel Roberdeau (1727-1795), was a most distinguished citizen.
He was a member of the Continental Congress, and a major general
of Provincial troops during the Revolution. General Roberdeau
died at Winchester, Va. His son, Isaac Roberdeau (1763- 1829),
was a distinguished engineer.
The Garrigues family are descended from refugees of that name
who fled from Montpellier to England during the Revocation
period. The family under the name of '' Garrick'' is still extant in
England and has furnished in the person of David Garrick (1716-
1779), one of the world's greatest dramatists.
Soon after 1700 members of the family came to Philadelphia
and founded the Garrigues family so well and honorably known in
America.
Among the first members of the Reformed Church, of Phila-
delphia, were David Montandon and Pierre Le Colle, who were
both men of prominence. Le Colle died in 1734. The family Le
Colle must have suffered very severely in the Huguenot persecutions
as we find refugees of this name in various Protestant countries.
Paul Casser, of Languedoc, and his wife, Margaret Raymond,
were members of the Moravian Church. The latter came from a
prominent family seated at Berol, near Montpellier.
Christ Church Records.
In the published records of Christ Episcopal Church of Phila-
delphia (i) occur the following names of parents of presumed Hugue-
not antecedents — earliest entries only are given : Boudinot, Elias,
1738; Boyer, James, 1734; Bonnett, John, 1736; Brtino, John,
1738; Chevalier, Peter, 1721 ; Couche, Daniel, 1756; Durell,
Moses, 1731 ; Doutell, Michael, 1737 ; Dupee, Daniel, 1747 ; Doz,
Andrew, Duche, Jacob, 1734; Fleury, Peter, 173 1 ; Garrigues,
Francis, 1721 ; Garrigues, Peter, 1736 ; Hillegas, Michael, 1760 ;
Hodnett, John, 1737 ; La Rue, John, 1739 ; Le Boyteau, William,
1 71 1 ; Le Tort, James, 1709 ; Le Dm, Noel, 1732 ; Le Dieu,
Lewis, 1758 ; Le Shemile, Peter, 1741 ; Le Gay, Jacob, 1744 ;
Lacellas, James, 1759 ; de Prefontain, Peter, 1754 ; Paca, John,
1758 ; Pinnard, Joseph, 1733 ; Purdieu, William, 1738 ; T7^ip-
peOy Frederick, 1713 ; Renandet, James, 1733 ; Vidal, Stephen,
1754; Votaw, Paul Isaac, 1747 ; Voyer, Peter, 171 3.
(i). Vide Pa. Mag. of Hist, and Biog., Vols. XIV, XV, XVI.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUl^NOTS. 51
The records of St. Michaels Ltitheran Church of Philadelphia
bear the following names of parents of probable Huguenot extrac-
tion — earliest entries only are given : (i) Remy, Jacob, 1745 ;
Huyett, Frantz Carl, 1747 ; Reinley {de) Co7irad, 1747 ; Ransier,
Frederick, 1748 ; Suffrance, John, 1749 ; Boutofi, John, Daniel,
1752 ; Bo2iton, Jacob, 1752 ; Reno, Peter 1752 ; Lose he, Daniel,
1752 ; DuBois, Alex,, 1753 ; LeBrajit, John Conrad, {^"' who died
on the Rhein") 1754; Piquart, John Gottfried, 1754; Qzias,
Elizabeth (wid.,) 1755.
Qermantown and vicinity.
The settlement of Germantown, near Philadelphia, was the
outgrowth of a visit in 1677 by William Penn to Holland, Germany,
and other European countries on behalf of the persecuted Quakers
and their co-religionists. One result of this visit was the formation
of the Frankfort Land Company which Secured a grant of nearly
twenty-five thousand acres of land for colonization purposes.
The initial settlement was made in 1683 by thirteen families,
who were soon followed by many others from Continental Europe,
nearly all of whom were religious refugees. In a few years flour-
ishing settlements were made at New Hanover, Providence, Skip-
pack and Goshahoppen. Among this promiscuous influx there was
a considerable Huguenot element, some of whom came direct from
France, but the greater number of them had sojourned in other
Protestant countries. Among the Huguenot settlers of Germantown
prior to 1686, were Jean Le Brun, Jean Dedier, Wigard and
Gerhart Levering, all of whom were prominent citizens.
The Leverings were sons of Dr. Rosier Levering, a refugee to
Gamen, in Germany, where he married Elizabeth Van der Walle,
of Wessel, in Westphalia, and where both the sons were born.
Wigard Levering was the founder of Roxborough and a man of con-
siderable prominence (2). The Rt. Rev. J. Mortimer Levering,
Bishop of the Moravian Church, is a descendant of Gerhart, also
Hon. Joshua Levering, the Prohibition candidate for the United
States presidency in 1896.
About 1 69 1 James De la Plaine, a son of Nicholas De la Plaine,
of New York, settled in Germantown. Because of the removal of
most of the Emigrant's family to Pennsylvania, a notice of him in
this connection seems to be in place. Nicholas De la Plaine, who
(i). Vide Pa. German Pub., Vol. VII.
(2). See "Levering Family" by Horatio Gates Jones. Wigard Levering died
at the advanced age of 109 years. (Haz. Reg. I, 281).
Hosted by
Google
52 MKMORIAI.S Olf THE HUGUENOTS.
is said to have been of patrician origin, fled from France to Eng-
land long before the Revocation. After a brief sojourn there he
came to New York, where his name appears as early as 1657. In
1658 he was married to Susanna Cresson, with whom he had a
numerous family. The De la Plaine and Cresson families were
Quakers.
Besides James as above, four daughters of Nicholas came to
Philadelphia, viz : Elizabeth, the eldest daughter who had married
in 1686 Casper Hoodt, in New York; Judith married in 1691
Thomas Griffith ; Susanna married in 1685 Arnold Cassel, who had
lately arrived from Kresheim in the Palatinate ; Crejanne married
in 1697 Ives Belangee. The three latter daughters were married
in Philadelphia, and all of them by Friend's ceremony.
James De la Plaine, son of the emigrant, and who founded the
family name in Pennsylvania, was married to Hannah Cock, of Long
Island, New York, in 1692. He was a prominent Friend and in-
fluential citizen and died in 1750, in Germantown. Their children
so far as known were James, born 1695, married Elizabeth Shoe-
maker, and later Ann Jones ; Nicholas, born 1697, married to Sarah
Ong ; Hannah, married to John Simpson ; Mary, married to Edward
Ridgeway ; John, married to Sarah Johnson ; Sarah married to
? Holland ; and Joshua, married to Maria ? The latter
settled in Colebrookdale, Berks county, where he died in 1788, leav-
ing sons Joshua, John, Joseph and James.
John, the son of Joshua De la Plaine was married to Sophia
Miller, and prior to the Revolution removed to Rocky Hill, in Frede-
rick county, Maryland. Joseph, another son, who was an officer in
the Revolution, married Catharine Miller, daughter of the emigrant
John William Miller, of Oley, Berks county, and also removed to
Frederick county, Maryland, sometime after the Revolution. John
died in 1804 aged 63 years, and James died in 181 8 aged about 74
years. Both left families, and their decendents are very numerous
and include many eminent names.
Reference has been made to the Cresson family, the ancestor
of which was Pierre Cresson, a prominent refugee of Picardy,
France, who in 1640 fled to Holland, where he is said to have been
gardner to the Prince of Orange. After a seventeen year sojourn
in Holland he emigrated to New York. The widow of his son
Jacques, with a number of children, came to Philadelphia at an early
day. Solomon Cresson, son of the widow, who in 1702 was married
to Anna Watson, founded the family name in Philadelphia. Con-
rad Cresson, whose antecedents are not known, was a resident of
Colebrookdale, in Berks county, prior to 1728.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI.S OF THK HUGUENOTS.
53
CHAPTER VIL
The Perkiomen and Lower Schuylkill Region.
Skippack — GosHAHOPPEN — Falkner Swamp — Early Settlers-
Many French and Alsatians — Hillegas — Boyer -
DE Frain — Pechin — Dubois — Baldy — Lesher.
^^ Truth forever on the scaffold —
Wrofig forever 07i the throne \
Yet that scaffold sways thefuture^
And behind the dim unknown —
Standeth GOD within the shadow
Keeping watch above his own.^^
O'^^P^ISING in the hill country over
* I I the Lehigh county line, and
-L V^^^^ flowing southward
through Montgomery county into the
Schuylkill river, is the Perkiomen
creek. The beautiful valley through
which it flows also bears its name.
Near the head waters of this stream
is a locality knows as *' Skippack"
and "Goshahoppen," with its famous
church dating back to about 1730.
Extending westward from this
region toward the ancient Cole-brook-
dale, and the Oley Hills of Berks
//^ dJt/h county, is the Falkner Swamps drain-
V^ ^ ^y^^Tn //y^ ^^^ ed by the Swamp creek, which empties
"^V^^*^ into the Perkiomen.
// This region was settled at an
FIRST TREASURER OF THE early day principally by Palatines and
UNITED STATES. Alsatiaus, and also some French, a
number of whom had previously lived in the Huguenot settlements
of New York»
Hosted by
Google
54 MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
In the Reformed society of Goshahoppen were a considerable
number of members with Huguenot antecedents, among others the
famiHes Hillegas, Leshire, Lingel, Griesemere, Transue, Desmond,
Labar, Rcboteaic, dc Bleama, {\\ Somaine,
About the time of the Revocation (1685),
the Hillegas family fled from Alsace to the
Palatinate for safety. A number of the younger
members later came to Pennsylvania. John
Frederick Hillegas (2) arrived in 1727 and lo-
cated in Goshenhoppen, Montgomery county.
Two of his sons, who had remained in Europe,
arrived — Leopold \w 1730 and John Adam in
1734. Michael Hillegas (B. 1696 D. 1749),
ARMS OF Hii,i,EGAS. a brothcr to John Frederick, also arrived at
an early day. He was the father of Michael Hillegas, the
first Treasurer of the United States (3). George Peter Hille-
gas, who died in Philadelphia county in 1745, is supposed to
have been a brother to the senior emigrants. George Albrecht
Hillegas, w^io arrived in 1746, and whose relationship to the
others is not known, located near Lancaster where he died not
many years afterwards. His widow died there in 1780 aged T^
years. The Hillegas name has ever been an honorable one in the
history of the Commonwealth, and a very large number of descend-
ents became men of eminence, of whom may be mentioned the Hon.
John Richards, a descendent of John Frederick Hillegas (4).
Boyer, — This family is one of the most extensive and honora-
ble in France. Several branches belong to the nobility. Many
have been distinguished as ministers, writers, soldiers and states-
men. A notable representative was the late Cardinal Jean Pierre
Boyer (i 829-1 896), Archbishop of Bourges. Prince Lucien Bona-
parte, a brother of the great Napoleon, incurred the latter's dis-
pleasure by marrying a beautiful girl named Boyer. Many of this
name were Huguenots and were scattered to many lands by the
persecutions. Mention is elsewhere made of a distinguished of^ficer
of this name in the Swedish Colony on the Delaware, and the set-
(i). In 1759 Lemiatta de Blema was married at Goshahoppen.
(2). John Frederick Hillegas was born in Alsace in 1685 and died 1764. His
family consisted of Leopold, John Adam, Frederick, George, Peter, Conrad, Elisa-
beth, Ann Margaret, married to Matthias Richard, Ann Regina and Elis. Barbara.
(3). Michael Hillegas, Jr. (1728-1804), a resident of Philadelphia, was a man
of sterling worth and one of the foremost men of his times, and a tower of strength
in the dark days of the Revolution. In 1776 he was made the first Treasurer of
the United States and was retained in that responsible position until 1789.
(4). Hon. John Richards, son of Matthias and Margaret Hillegas Richards,
was b. in New Hanover, Pa., 1753, made a Justice 1777, Judge of the Courts 1784,
in Congress 1796-1797, State Senate 1801-1807, died November 13, 1822.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS Olf THE HUGUENOTS. 55
tlement of another family in Lancaster county in 1710, while still
another — John Boyer — was one of the first settlers in York county.
In the counties of Montgomery and Berks we find several ancestral
heads of this name and from which a great posterity has came.
The genealogist is met with insuperable difficulty in tracing out
the various lines of Boyers in the Schuylkill Valley. It is a re-
markable fact that the name was written Beyer and Bayer upon ar-
rival. From the subjoined note (i) the reader will see how inter-
changeable the name was in Colonial days. A large number of im-
migrants of the name Beyer and Bayer arrived in Pennsylvania, of
which we only notice such as are now known as Boyer, and which,
in our opinion, was the original name of these families. The pio-
neers of the Boyers in this region were the following :
In 1728 arrived from Alsace, France, Jacob Bayer ^ with wife
and sons Valentine, Philip and Jacob, and located in the present
vicinity of Boyertown. Hon. Henry Boyer (1778-1857), a promi-
nent member of the Legislature, was of this line (2). In 1731 ar-
rived Chris top. Beyer and sons Andreas and Martin. This fam-
ily we know settled in Montgomery county and the family record is
partly in the Archives of the old Goshahoppen Church. This fam-
ily is said to have been from Grunstadt in the Palatinate. In this
same vessel and at the same d^Xe dLVviv^A John Philip Bayer, Philip
Beyer, Philip Beyer, Jr., John Jacob Beyer, Henry Beyer and
George Beyer. The two latter were under sixteen years of age.
This family likewise located in Montgomery and Berks counties in
close proximity. Soon after arrival we find all the foregoing names
written Boyer. John Philip Bayer, Sen. located in Frederick town-
ship, (now) Montgomery county, where he died May 7, 1753, and
was buried in Oley, Berks county. His son Henry (1714-1814)
lived near Boyertown. A great many of the John Philip Boyer line
are buried in the old church yard at Amityville, Berks county.
Gabriel Boyer \v?iS a resident of Oley as early as 1732. In the
foregoing arrivals we have at least four separate lines. We are in-
clined to the belief that there was some connection between them.
(i). Naturalized in 1743 in Philadelphia (now Montgomery county), Gabriel
Bowyer, Philip Beyer, Abraham Beyer, Jr., 1755, Andrew Boyer, Philadelphia
City, 1762, Philip Boyer, Berks county, 1759, Nich. Boyer, 1^61, Jacob Boyer^ 1761,
Christopher Boyer, Northampton county, 1761, Andrew Boyer, Land Warrants
granted, Gabriel Boyer, I733-*I737, Christian Boyer. 1737, Christopher Boyer, Bucks
county, 1738, Johannis Beyer, 1738, Johannis Boyer, 1741, Hans (John) Boyer, 1733,
John Boyer, York county, 1754, Andrew Bayer, 1 734-1 735 1 Andrew Boyer, 1744,
Andrew Boyer, Berks county, 1744, Christopher Poyer, 1737, Philip Boyer, 1761,
Jacob Boyer, 1757, do. Berks county, i75i, KHas Boyer, Bucks county, 1738.
(2). Vide Proc. Mont. Co. Hist. Soc, 1895, p. 274; also '*Keim and Allied
families," p. 556.
Hosted by
Google
56 MEMORIAI^ OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Among the descendents of the immigrant, John Philip Boyer,
was a grandson, PhiHp Boyer, Jr, (i 746-1 832), who removed to
(now) Snyder county, where he died, leaving an honored posterity.
His son, Gen. Philip Boyer, an officer in the war of 181 2, remained
in Montgomery county. The latter was the father of Hon. Benj.
M. Boyer (b. 1823), presiding Judge of the courts of Montgomery
county, and a member of Congress 1 864-1 866. From this family
also came Col. Zachur Prall Boyer (i 832-1900), who served with
distinction in the Civil War, and Hon. Henry K. Boyer (b. 1850),
a member of the Legislature in 1887, State Treasurer in 1889, and
later Director of the United States Mint at Philadelphia.
Prof. Daniel S. Boyer (1827- 1899), a grandson of Philip, Sr.,
of Snyder county, v^as prominent as an educator. He was the
founder of the Freeburg Academy, and for many years Superin-
tendent of the public schools of Snyder county.
De Frain. — This name, variously written '' De Frain,'' Du
Fraifiy Du Fresne, etc. , occurs in many localities in France and
represents an honorable lineage, one branch of which belongs to the
nobility of Normandy (i). They were largely Protestant and must
have suffered very much from the religious persecutions, as we
find refugee families of this name in the Palatinate, Switzerland,
England and South Carolina, as well as Pennsylvania. The origin
of the earliest family in the latter State is somewhat obscure.
Among the passengers of the ship '' Lout her,'' which arrived in
Philadelphia in 1731, was Maria Forrain (2). Circumstances
point to her as being the mother of the DeFrain family of Mont-
gomery county. Her husband may have perished at sea. Of this
family we have the following : Martin, who married prior to
1743; John, who married prior to 1746; Jacob, born 1730 and
confirmed at the trap in 1748 ; Peter, who married in 1753 ; Elisa-
beth who, prior to 1747, married Adam Heilman. Also Christian
and Frederic, Muehlenburg, the founder of the Lutheran Church
in America, in reporting the confirmation of the above mentioned
Elisabeth Du Frain, says her parents were Huguenots, with the
inference that she was orphaned in early youth (3).
In 1794 Louis Fontain De Fresne, of Paris, took the oath of
allegiance at Philadelphia. In 1788 Dr. Albert Du Fresne, with
his family arrived from Switzerland, whither his people had fled
from persecution. He was both a minister and physician. He
located at Lancaster and was a prominent citizen (b. 1748; d.
1823).
(i). Nobility of Normandy, Vol. II p 103.
(2). Penna Arch, Vol. XVII.
(3). ** Halliche Nachrichten,^^ Am. Ed., Vol. I p. 342 ; also note p. 417.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF run HUGUENOTS. 57
Pechin. — In 1734 arrived Pierre Pechin (1706-1775). The
name Pechin appears among the Huguenot refugees in Prussia.
That Pierre Pechin was of a Huguenot family there is no doubt. He
brought with him the old family bible they had preserved through the
fires of persecution. This book, several centuries old, is now held by
a descendent of the refugee and is sacredly preserved as a memento
of the trials through which the family passed. Pierre Pechin was
a man of more than ordinary standing and intelligence. He brought
with him rare books and furniture and evidently had considerable
means. His family consisted of three sons and two daughters, (i)
the mother having died at sea during the voyage. He located near
Philadelphia where he died in 1775. His remains rest at Ardmore.
His son, Jean Christopher, located in Philadelphia and engaged in
various enterprises and became one of its foremost and wealthiest
citizens.
Purviance, — The Purviaitce family seems to have been terri-
bly scattered at the Revocation as refugee branches are found in
England, Ireland and the Palatinate. Four brothers of the Irish
branch came to America, namely : Robert and Samuel^ who located
in Baltimore ; John, who located in Philadelphia, and William,
who went to North Carolina. Samuel Purviance, of the English
branch, came to Philadelphia prior to 1693. David Purvia^tce
came from Lorrain in 1754 and located in Dauphin county.
The Baltimore branch were successful business men and acted
as financial agents for the Continental Government during the War
of the Revolution. From this branch came Commodore Hugh
Purviance, (2) a distinguished naval officer who was born in Balti-
more in 1799.
Trego, Tricot, Trico. — Several brothers of this name fled to
England prior to the Revocation. In 1683 one of them, Pierre
Trego, came to Pennsylvania and located in Delaware county,
where he died prior to 1735. He was a prominent member of the
Society of Friends (3). Pierre and Judith Trego had children —
Jacob, b. 1687; James, b. 1690; William, b. 1693; John, b.
1696 ; Ann, b. 1702 ; Peter, married in 1726. The Trego family
is very extensive and has produced many distinguished men, of
whom may be mentioned Prof, Charles B, Trego, a scientist of
(i). The family of Pierre Pechin consisted of (i) Jean Nicholas, who died
unmarried. (2). Peter, who served in the Revolution and removed to Georgia.
(3). Jean Christopher, m. in 1765, Christena Bright, a granddaughter of Jacques
Simonett. (5). Margaret, who married George Gyger. (4). Susan, whom.
Martin Miller.
(2). Biog. Kncy. of Maryland, p. 96.
(3). Vide '* History of the Trego Family," by Dr. A. Trego Shertzer.
Hosted by
Google
58 MEMORiAi^s OF the; huguenots.
high repute and author of "A Geographical History of Pennsyl-
vania," published in 1843, and J. K. Trego, a noted artist.
That sturdy old Huguenot, Louis Dubois y (i)of Ulster county,
N. Y., gave posterity to several of Pennsylvania's best families. A
son, Abraham, with his daughter, Mrs. Philip Ferree, located in
Pequea, as is elsewhere noted. In 171 3 his son, Solomon Dubois
(1670-1759), became joint proprietor of a large tract of land in the
Perkiomen Valley and is supposed to have resided there. Isaac
Dubois^ a son of Solomon, became seated on this estate in 1716
and died here in 1729. In this region also located Daniel Desmond
in 1708, diud John LeFever \n 1718. Both are supposed to have
came from Esopus in New York. Abraham Transue located here
in 1730 and Philip LaBar in 1738. In the vicinity of Chestnut
Hill, near Germantown, located Adam Bos hong ^x'lov to 1733, also
Carl VaL Nich, Schuette (Shuey) prior to 1734. In the lower
Schuylkill Valley located in 17 $1 John and Frederick Quay, prob-
ably father and son. The name, also written " /^g^^^j^, " appears
among the lists of refugees to England and among the galley slaves.
It is evident that many were Protestants and suffered severely in
the persecutions. One branch located in Canada and from whence
came the ancestor of the Hon. Matthew Stanley Quay, United
States Senator, son of a Presbyterian minister, and who was born
in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1833.
In 1735 arrived Christian Bliem who located north of Potts-
town. His ancestors fled from France to the Palatinate prior to
the Revocation. (2) Christian was born at New Manheim in 171 1 and
died in 181 1, at the age of a century. His posterity is very num-
erous.
Delliker, — From 1784 to lygg Rev, Frederick Delliker was
pastor of the Reformed congregation in Falkner Swamp. He is
said to have been of Huguenot parentage, the family name being
De La Cour, (3) Many of this name are found among the refugees.
Reverend DeUiker was a man of great ability and usefulness. He
died in 1799 at the Swamp Church in Montgomery county.
In 1749 arrived John Miehael Missamer from Alsace, and
located in the Falkner Swamp, where he died in 1753. His son,
Cassamir Missamer, born in Alsace, was a prominent man and
founder of an honorable posterity.
(i.) Louis Dubois, one of the twelve patentees of New Paltz, N. Y., who is
regarded as the founder of that Colony, was born at Wicres, Prov. of Artois, France,
in 1626, fled to Manheim, in the Palatinate, and from thence with the Huguenot
Colony to the Hudson River in 1660. He was m. in 1655 to Catherine Blanchard,
a daughter of a refugee at Manheim, Vide Chap. IV.
(2). Vide Biog. Encj . of Montgomery Co.
(3). Vide Harbaugh's ** Fathers of the Reformed Church."
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI,S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 59
The name Baldy occurs prominently among the Huguenot
refugees. Several branches fled to Switzerland and England.
In the latter country, Rev. David Baldy was pastor of the Hugue-
not Church at Norwich from 1693 until bis death in 17 10. (i)
A family, the head of which has not been identified, located in
the Schuylkill Valley at an early day. Of this stock, Conrad Baldy
had children baptized at the Falkner Swamp Lutheran Church in
1744. A considerable number of the name from this region appear
on the lists of Revolutionary soldiers, some as officers. Of the
latter was Christopher Baldy of Berks county, who located in the
West Branch Valley. He was a captain in the Continental army,
and later became a brigadier general in the State service. Late in
life he removed to Seneca county, N. Y., where he died in 1809.
It is probable that this family is identical with that of Baldus, which
in France is evidently the same. A number of this name appear in
our list of immigrants. (2)
Bigony, (Bigonet, Pichonef), — The seat of this family is in
Languedoc, France. The first of the name here was Jean Bigonet,
a native of the city of Nisms, who came in 1752. May 27th, 1753,
he was married in Germantown, Pa., to Cath. Elizabeth, the widow
of Henry Ozias. In 1773 arrived Francois P. Bigojiet, who Iccated
in the Falkner Swamp where he married Maria Brant in 1779.
Lorah, — This name, variously written Lora, Lorey and
Loreaux, represents a large and influential Huguenot family scattered
during the persecutions, while others less fortunate appear on the
list of galley slaves. Refugees of this name appear in England, the
Palatinate and Switzerland, while one branch of noble rank has
long been seated in Austria. (3) Several branches came to Penn-
sylvania. There was a Loreaux family located in Philadelphia
prior to 171 5. John Conrad Lor ah came to Philadelphia in 1754.
He was a man of prominence as also was his son Casper, Another
son named Conrad located at Warwick, Lancaster county, soon
after their arrival.
John Lorah located in Oley, Berks county, in 1737, and was
one of the founders of the Reformed Church of that place. He
died in 1768, leaving an honored posterity. John Henry Lorah
arrived in 1753 and located in York county, where he died in 1763,
leaving posterity.
Lesher, originally written **Le Shar," ** Le Char" and ** Le
Shair." This extensive family was scattered to various Protestant
(i). Vide Proc. lyondon Hug. Soc, Vol. II p. 138.
(2). In France the name is also written ** Baldus.'* Several of this name
came to Pennsylvania and are probably the ancestors of the Baldy family.
(3). See American Geneologist, Vol. I p. 186.
Hosted by
Google
60 MHMORIAI.S OF ^THH HUGU^NOTSv
countries at the Revocation, yean Le Shair was a refugee to
Ulster, New York, prior to 1700. Of those who came to Pennsyl«
vania John Nicholas Lesher located in Skippack, and Jacob in
Providence, both in 1732. From one of these came John Lesher
(2) who located in Oley in Berks county and erected extensive iron
works in 1760. Several families of this name also located in Lan-
caster county.
Votaw-Vaiitie, Several branches of this family came to
America. There was a Vautie fumily in the Huguenot Church in
New York prior to 1750. Pierre Vautie arnwed in 1754 and lo-
cated in Eastern Pennsylvania. There was a Votaw family said to
have located near Philadelphia prior to 1740 from which came
Pau/, Isaac and John Votaw, who emigrated to Loudon county,
Virginia (2). We suspect that Pierre Votaw, as above, was the
head of this family.
Retteau {Rettew), — This name appears among the refugees
to England. William Retteiv, the head of the family in America^
arrived prior to 1725. In 1726 he purchased a warrant for a tract
of land in Delaware county on which he located. This land he
sold to his son Thomas in 1731, who died without issue, and the
plantation fell to John Rettew, brother of Thomas, **his heir-at
law," and who obtained a patent for the same in 1752. From this
recital we infer that the Rettew posterity descend from John, son
of the immigrant.
Some time prior to 1735, Jean Per dean (variously written
Barto, Bardo, etc.,) located in Colebrookdale, where he died at an
advanced age in 1770, leaving a numerous posterity.
The Somaine (3) (now Sumney) family in the Perkiomen region
probably came from Isaac Somaine, who in 1758 had six children
baptized at the Goshahoppen Reformed Church. A little later,
Samuel Somaine, probably a brother, was married at the same place.
(i). John l/csher, Esq., 1711-1794, was a man of prominence. He was a
member of the Constitutional Convention, 1776, a member of the General Assembly
from 1776 to 1784, and one of the Commissioners to purchase supplies for the Con-
tinental army.
(2). Pa. Mag. of Hist., XIII, 254.
(3). Jean Somaine was a Huguenot galley slave. See Dodderer's Historical
Notes p. 46.
Hosted by
Google
Hosted by
GootI^
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^ OF THE HUCUENOTS. 61
CHAPTER VIIL
The Olcy Valley.
The Early Huguenot Settlers — The Pioneer John Keim —
Arrival of DeTurk and LeDee — The Bertolets — The
Count DeBenneville, Founder of Universalism In Amer-
ica — The Le Vans and De La Planch — Moravian Synod.
^* Oy Spirit of that early day
So purCy and strong,, and true f
Be with us in the narrow way
Our faithful fathers knew, ' '
— Whittier.
BOUT fifty miles northwest of Philadelphia, and in the east-
ern part of Berks county in Pennsylvania, is situated a
small but exceedingly fertile and beautiful valley called
Oley by the first settlers. By the Indians it was called '' Wahlink;'
(hill-encircled). The whites were early attracted to this charming
vale, and it is said on good authority that the Swedes were famil-
iar with it long before the arrival of William Penn.
Among the first settlers were a number of Huguenot families
who, after passing through the fires of persecution in the Old
World, were permitted by a beneficent Providence to pass their
last days in peace in this garden spot.
Keim, — So far as known the first settler of this region was
John Keim, whose parental home was near Lindau, in Bavaria.
His family was of distinguished ancestry and connected with the
eminent Huguenot family of De Harcourt, who were of noble rank.
He first came to the Province in 1698 and seated some land
on the head waters of the Manatawny creek. After a stay of sev-
eral years he returned to his home in Europe where he married in
1 706, and took his final departure for Oley the following year. He
died on his plantation in 1753, leaving a large family. His poster-
ity is both great and honorable.
Hosted by
Google
62 MEMORIAI.S 01^ I'HJK HUGUENOTS.
Being connected with a number of families who soon thereaf-
ter followed him to Oley, it is quite probable that he acted in the
capacity of a promoter and pioneer for the rest, (i)
De Turk, — In Northern France there was seated a wealthy and
highly honorable family named De Turk, Their estates embraced
extensive vineyards, and peace and happiness, joined with wealth,
justify the family tradition that the home of the De Turks was an
ideal one.
Over this bright picture, however, the dark shadows of adver-
sity suddenly fell. The family was Protestant, and when the omi-
nous knell of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes sounded
throughout France in 1685 it fell heavily on the hearts of the fam-
ily. The heartless dragonades ravished their home while the Gov-
ernment confiscated their property. (2)
Among those who escaped was Isaac De Turk who, with many
others, fled to Frankenthal in the Palatinate. Seeing no hope of
returning in safety to his native home, he resolved to take advan-
tage of the gracious invitation of Queen Ann, of England, to the
Huguenots and Palatines to come to her dominions. Coming to
London he joined the party of Reverend Joshua Kocherthal and
came with them to New York in the autumn of 1709. In this
party was an accomplished young widow named Marie Wemar
and her little daughter Catharine, nearly three years of age. This
lady was connected with a prominent family (De Harcourt), as will
be seen presently.
Isaac De Turk, who was a bachelor in middle life, was mar-
ried to Madame Wemar soon after their arrival in New York. Af-
(i). See ** Keim and Allied Families," by De B. Randolph Keim, 1899.
(2). In the Proceedings of the London Huguenot Society occur a number of
refugees of this name from various parts of France to London, Norwich and the
Channel Isles.
Note^ohn De Turk in 1740 married Deborah High and had children as fol-
lotrs: Isaac, b. 1 741, died young; Daniel, b. 1742, m. Catharine Le Van. He
served as Captain in the Revolution War ; Susanna, b. 1745, m. — Shaffer ; John,
b. 1747, m. Klisabeth Bertolet ; Maria, b. 1748, m. Daniel Weiser; Samuel, b,
1750, m. Cath. Crest ; Abraham, b. 1752, m. Ann Weiser; Philip, b. 1757, m. (1)
Esther Shenkel, (2) Maria High ; Joseph, d. young ; Deborah, b. 1761, m. Peter
Knabb.
Catharine Wemar ^ the emigrant's step^daughter (born in France 1706), was
married to Abraham Le Van, of Oley.
Esther^ the only daughter of the emigrant in 1736, married Abraham Berto-
let, died in 1798 leaving a large family.
The immigrant just prior to coming to Pennsylvania sojourned in New
York city where his daughter Esther was baptized in the French Church, as is re-
corded in the church records. ** Bateme, Amourdhuy dimanche 29c. d'Avril 1712.
Monsieur Louis Rou, ministere, Batise Esther le Turque, nee le 30c. d'Aoust
dernier fiUe de Isaac le Turque et Maria sa femme, presente au St. Bateme par
Francois Lucas et la mere du dit en fan parein et Manenne. L. Rou, Pasteur.'*
(Vide Proc. Hug. Soc. of Am., Vol. I p. 122).
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OE THK HUGUENOTS.
63
ter a brief stay at Esopus he came to Oley in 171 2 and purchased a
tract of land, most of which has remained in the family to the
present day. In 1721 he purchased another tract adjoining his own
which he presented to his only daughter Esther (Bertolet), whose
descendants still occupy the homestead. Isaac De Turk had but
two children, namely — -John, horn in 17 10, and Esther, born in
171 2. He did not live long to enjoy his peaceful retreat, but died
in 1 72 1 and was buried on his plantation. His widow survived
him many years. John De Turk, his son, was a prominent Mora-
vian. The visit of Count Zinzendorf and the holding of the third
Moravian Synod at his place was an important event.
Bertolet. — The Bertolet
family of France has been for
centuries one of the highest
and most honorable of that
country, and many of that
name have been among the
most distingished in her his-
tory. The family, which was
originally seated in Picardy,
is of noble rank (i). During
the reformation the Bertolets
seem to have been strongly
Protestant and many took
refuge in foreign lands owing
to the persecutions by the
Papists. The name occurs
among the refugees to Switzer-
land, London and the Chan-
nel Isles.
Some time during the Re-
vocation period a family of this name fled from Picardy to Chateau
deOex, in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, and of whom
Peter and Jean came to Pennsylvania. The first to arrive was
Peter, but the date of his coming is uncertain. In 1720 he signed
the petition for the erection of Oley township and died about 1727,
BISHOP N. B. GRUBB.
{A Bertolet Descendant).
(i). See * 'Dictionary of the French Nobility," Vol. II p. 386. The name is
variously written, '* Bertholet " being perhaps the most famihar. Auguste Ber-
thelot, a titled and distinguivshed officer of the French army, gave his life as a
sacrifice to the cause of American freedom at the sei^e of Yorktown, Va., in 1781.
Count lyouis de Bertholet, who was born in Savoy in 1748 and died in Paris in
1822, was one of the greatest chemists of the age. Another of this name, Tierre
Eugene Marcellain Berthelot, born in Paris, 1827, and likewise a great chemist,
and also a great publicist, entered the cabinet of President Fauer in 1895, as min-
ister of Foreign Affairs.
Hosted by
Google
64 MEMORIALS OF THK HUGUKNOTS.
as is recited in an application for a patent for his land in 1734.
His wife Elizabeth and several children survived him.
In \T 11 Jean Bertolet was married to Susanna de Harcourt,
of Muhlhausen, near Lindau in Bavaria, to which her parents had
fled at the Revocation, (i) On account of political unrest and
religious persecution, Jean Bertolet removed to Seltz, in Alsace,
about twenty-seven miles north-east of Strasburg. Here he engaged
in farming about fourteen years, during which time five children
were born to them.
Owing to continued persecutions he determined to emigrate to
America. This he did in 1726 after securing a certificate of emi-
gration of which the following is a translation :
'* We, the undersigned. High Bailiff, the highest officer of the
County Palatine, in the community of Guttenberg, do hereby cer-
tify, by virtue of this letter —
That the bearer hereof, the highly honored and unpretending
Jean Bertolet, a native of Chartien Dicise, in the Jurisdiction of
Berne, Switzerland, together with his wife, was a tenant of the
farm belonging to the Convent Selt — which is here located and
highly regarded — and behaved himself in a Christian, honorable,
upright and faithful manner as it becomes an honest and praise-
worthy man, so that we can say nothing otherwise about him than
what is commendable and good, and that they both honestly intend
and have finally determined to emigrate to the New Country of
Pennsylvania, together with their five children, whom they have
with them.
Therefore we, each and every one of us, do kindly request that
the above-named Jean Bertolet, and his wife Susanna and five
children, may not only pass free, safe and unmolested without ex-
acting from them any duty or respect, obedience or service, but that
they may be shown all manner of good will and assistance because
of their honorable behavior, and we are willing and do kindly offer
to return the same favor.
(i). Note — Both Mrs. Isaac De Turk and Mrs. Jean Bertolet were daughters
of Jean De Harcourt, a prominent citizen of Muehlhausen in Lower Alsace and of
the French nobility. The De Harcourts were mostly Protestants and seem to have
suffered vseverely through persecution, as the name appears among the refugees to
various Protestant countries, notably England,
Among the notable men of this name may be mentioned Henri De Harcourt
(1601-1666), who was a famous General. Duke Henri De Harcourt (1653-1703), a
General and Marshal of France. Francois Henri De Harcourt (i 726-1 792) and
Francois Harcourt (i 786-1865), and also the Hon. Sir William Vernon Harcourt
(1827) of England, the successor of Gladstone to the leadership of the Liberal
party, who descends from Count Richard De Harcourt, one of the Norman Knights
who accompanied William the Conqueror to England in A. D. 1066.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIALS OF THK HUGUKNOTS. 65
In testimony whereof we have, together with subscribing our
own signatures, attached our customary Seal hereunto. So ordered
and issued in the Jurisdiction of the High BaiHff of Wimpfeldten,
this twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thou-
sand seven hundred and twenty-six.
J. G. WIMPFFEN,
NICHOLAUS SCHOENLAUB,
Attorney.
The Seal of the Court.
Attest:— HANS ERHARD BEYER.
Jean Bertolet located in Oley, near the Exeter line, and not
far from Mordecai Lincoln, the ancestor of the great President, and
George Boon, the ancestor of Daniel, the pioneer of Kentucky.
Jean Bertolet was noted for his deep piety and benevolence.
He was wont to visit his Indian neighbors and relieve their wants
and often gave them religious instruction and prayed with them in
their humble cabins. He was one of the first Moravians of Oley
and on terms of the closest intimacy with the leading men of the
Church, especially Count Zinzendorf, who preached in his house in
1741 and 1742. (i)
Jean Bertolet died in 1754 (2) and was buried on his estate,
his wife having preceeded him. It may be here remarked that the
references to the Bertolets as being Swiss Germans is incorrect.
They were characteristic Huguenots and French was their mother
language. The French bible of Jean Bertolet, printed by Francois
Perrin in 1567, and which was doubtless carried by earlier genera-
tions through the fires of persecution, is still preserved by his de-
scendants and contains his family records and other valuable notes
written in French.
Jean Bertolet founded a numerous and honorable posterity,
and many of his descendants have been eminent in many walks of
(i). ** Memorials of the Moravian Church," Vol. I p. 175.
(2). The family of Jean Bertolet consisted of the following : Abraham, b.
1712, d. 1776, married to Esther De Turk with whom he had a large family ; Maria,
1 7 15-1802, married to Stephen Barnett ; John, 1 717-1789, married to a daughter of
Peter Pallio ; Esther, 1 720-1 796, married to Dr. George De Bonneville ; Susanna,
1722-1800, married to Jacob Fry ; Frederick, 1727-1779, b, in America, married to
Esther, a daughter of Abraham te Van.
Hosted by
Google
66 MKMORIA.1^ OF THK HUOUKNOTS.
life, of whom Bishop N. Bertolet Grubb is a notable example, (i)
De Bo7i?ieville, — In the year 1741 there arrived in Philadelphia
a young Huguenot nobleman, Dr, George De Bo7ineville, whose
history calls for more than a passing notice.
The family of De Bonneville is one of the oldest and most
honorable of the French nobility, and the reader will find many
references to the Lords of Bonneville in the history of France.
Their estates were situated near Limoges, the capitol of the Depart-
ment of Haute-Vienna, and date back to the eleventh century.
Several branches of the De Bonneville family espoused the
Protestant cause. Upon the accession of William III. to the throne
of England he invited Francis De Bonneville, a prominent Hugue-
not nobleman, to his Court where he enjoyed great favor.
A son of Francis married into the Granville family in 1697.
Of this union was born in 1703 George De Bonneville, the subject
of this sketch. The parents dying early, the child was taken under
the personal care of Queen Ann, who spared no pains to perfect his
education. He was highly educated in theology and medicine, and
spoke fluently many European languages. At the early age of
seventeen years he went to France to preach the Gospel to the per-
secuted Huguenots. For two years he was engaged in this work,
holding services in secluded places in order to evade the authorities.
At last he, with his companion Durant, was arrested, and upon
trial were both condemned to death, De Bonneville to be beheaded,
and Durant to be hanged. They were then taken to the place of
execution. Durant being designated to suffer first, ascended the
scaffold joyfully singing the 11 6th Psalm and died a martyr to the
Protestant faith ! After this De Bonneville was bound and blind-
folded and the executioner made the final preparations to behead
him when a reprieve arrived from the King (Louis XV.), obtained
through the British ambassador, Queen Ann, of England, having
interceded in his behalf. After his release he traveled through
Germany, Holland and Flanders, preaching the gospel to the scat-
tered Huguenot refugees for a period of about eighteen years. His
health failing entirely he felt constrained to emigrate to the New
World. In fact he regarded this inclination as divinely inspired and
so took up his journey as a religious duty.
(i). Bishop Nathaniel Bertolet Grubb was b. in Montgomery County, Pa.,
1850, and is a direct descendant of the Grubb family of Switzerland that suffered
martyrdom for their faith. He also descends from Henry Fry, who came from
Alsace to Pennsylvania prior to Wm. Penn ; also, from the Huguenots of Oley,
Isaac De Turk and Jean Bertolet. He entered the ministry of the Mennonite
Church in 1872. He was elevated to the episcopacy in 1884. Earnest in spirit,
broad-minded in his religious views, he has readily affiliated with the most pro-
gressive leaders of Christian work in America, and stands out prominently as a
leader in his Church in the field of Christian effort.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAtS OF THB HUGUK^NOTS. 67
The arrival of De Benneville (Americanized form of name), in
Philadelphia in 1741 is thus related by a grandson of Christopher
Sower, the celebrated German Colonial printer of Germantown: (i)
**Upona certain occasion Mr. Sower had a dream that a
vessel had arrived at Philadelphia having on board a person who
was very ill and whispering that he should bring him to his house.
He awoke and found it but a dream, and again fell asleep when the
dream was repeated. Mentioning the dream to his wife she urged
him to do as he was bid. He drove to the city, six miles distant,
and upon making inquiry at the wharf, the captain of a vessel in-
formed him that he had a very sick man on board, whom Mr. Sower
at once removed to his carriage and took to his home, and where
he remained until he was restored to health. After De Benneville's
recovery, being skilled in medicine, he assisted in the preparation
of prescriptions." (Sower was also proprietor of a drug store).
At the home of Sower he first met Jean Bertolet, of Oley, who
was delighted with his many accomplishments and manifest piety.
Upon Bertolet's invitation he settled in Oley as a teacher and phy-
sician, and in 1745 he married his daughter Susanna. In 1755 he
removed to Germantown where he enjoyed a large and lucrative
practice in medicine. Here he died in 1793 at the patriarchial age
of ninety years, leaving a highly honorable posterity. (2)
De Benneville was not closely allied with any religious denom-
ination in America. He was a Restorationist in belief, and his
views on human redemption were too broad and liberal for the nar-
row sectarianism of his day. He was, nevertheless, an acceptable
preacher and traveled far and wide, even in old age preaching the
Gospel. About 1745 he erected a large stone edifice near his father-
in-law and which is still standing. This building is of peculiar his-
torical interest as being the undoubted birthplace of Universalism
in America. In this edifice De Benneville had a large room fitted
as a chapel where he was wont to preach the doctrine of universal
redemption to his friends and neighbors who gathered to hear him.
On June 12, 1890, during a convention of Universalists in Reading,
that body of over a hundred in number journeyed to this historic spot
and in a befitting manner honored the memory of the founder of
American Universalism.
As indicating the high esteem in which the De Benneville fam-
ily was held by the Court of France, it is a well established fact
(i). See "Keim and Allied Families," p. 373.
(2). Family of Dr. George de Benneville and his wife Esther Bertolet : Dan-
iel (1753-1827), a noted surgeon of the Revolution ; George (1760-1850), a noted
physician and on terms of friendship with Washington ; Esther, married to Jacob
Brown ; Susanna, m. to John Keim ; Marie, m. to John Linnington ; Charlotte^
m. to John Bertolet ; Sarah, .
Hosted by
Google
M^MORIAI^S OF THK HUGUKNOTS,
that during the reactionary period as the result of the Revocation,
Louis XVI. sent a commission to America to induce Dr. George
De Benneville to return to France and assist in the work of pacifi-
cation. He wisely refused the overtures of that monarch, and the
Kingdom not many years later paid the penalty of her intolerance
in the terrors of the French Revolution, (i)
LeVan, — Among the members of the Huguenot Church at
Amsterdam, Holland, was Daniel Le Van and his wife Marie Beaiiy
refugees from Picardy, France. From a baptismal certificate, a
fac simile of which is given, it seems that some of their children
were born at Amsterdam. About 171 5 four sons of the refugee set
out for Pennsylvania. They were Abraham^ Isaac, Jacob and
Joseph, the latter of whom died at sea. These were followed in
1727 by their brother Daniel, and all of whom settled in the limits
of Berks County.
In 1748 Peter LeVan arrived, whose identity and place of
location is not known.
Abraham LeVan, as already noted, married Catharine Weimer,
daughter of Mrs. De Turk by a former husband in France. He
located near the De Turk's, and his beautiful home is still in the
possession of his descendents after a lapse of almost two centuries. (2)
Jacob LeVan located in the Maxatawny Valley, of which he
was one of the first settlers. He was an extensive land owner, the
present flourishing town of Kutztown being built on part of his
estate. He erected the first grist mill in this region, which is still
in the possession of his descendents. (3)
There is a family tradition that Count Zinzendorf, the eminent
Moravian, preached from the balcony of this mill during his episco-
pal tour in America in 1742. Jacob LeVan was an important per-
sonage in the Province. He was one of the judges of the county
court from 1752 to 1762. He bore an important part in the de-
fense of the frontiers during the French and Indian war and was
commissioned to provision Fort Allen in 1756. His son, Sebastian
LeVan, was a man of great prominence. At the outbreak of the
(i). See K, and A. Families, p. 670.
(2). Abraham lycVan was b. in Amsterdam 1698 and died in 1771, leaving a
wife and children — Daniel, Isaac, Esther Bertolet, Susan Mowry and Catharine.
His daughter, Elizabeth Reeser, having preceeded him. His wife, Catharine
Weimer, daughter of Mrs. Isaac De Turk, was b. in France, Feb. 22, i7o6, and d.
Sept, 29, 1768.
(3)' Jacob lye Van d. 1768, leaving children — Col. Sebastian I^eVan, m. to
Susan Snyder ; Jacob, Jr., m. 1763 to Susanna lyudwig and d. 1778; Catharine, m.
to Valentine Brobst ; Elizabeth, m. to Geo. Adam Snyder ; Susanna, m. to Charles
Neudorf ; Eve, m. Peter Yoder, 1762 ; Maria, m. (i) Jacob Huttenstein, (2) Fred-
erick Hill.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAIyS OF THE HUGUENOTS. 69
Revolution he represented his district in the Committee of Safety.
He was a member of the State Assembly in 1 779-1 789, and a mem-
ber of the Supreme Executive Council from 1782 to 1784. He was
also a Colonel of militia. He died in 1794.
Dmiiel LeVan, the emigrant, also settled in Maxatawny. (i)
His son, Daniel Jr,, was admitted to the bar at Reading in 1768
and became a lawyer of considerable prominence. After filling
many important offices he died in 1792.
Isaac Le Van, the emigrant, located in Exeter, near Reading,
and where he died in 1758.
Jean LeDee was a neighbor and contemporary settler with
Isaac De Turk in 17 12. He was one of the petitioners for the
erection of the township in 1720.
Dc la Planch, — One of the first settlers of Oley was Dr, Jacques
De la Planch (now '* Plank " ), who has the distinction of having been
the first physician of Berks county. His history is an interesting
one. Some time after the Revocation his parents made their escape
from France by crossing the Alps into Switzerland. While crossing
the border the father was arrested by the guards. The mother,
however, succeeded in making her escape with Jacques, her only
child, and accompanied by a faithful St. Bernard dog. Later her
husband having escaped, rejoined her at Basel. James was edu-
cated for the medical profession at the university at Basel, and soon
after the completion of his studies the family emigrated to America.
After a residence of several years in Germantown he removed to
Oley and was one of the petitioners for the erection of the town-
ship in 1720.
Dr. De la Plank was prominent in religious circles and was
a member of the Union Synod held at the house of John De Turk
in Oley in 1742 and presided over by Count Zinzendorf.
Dr. De la Plank had but one son, Frederick, who inherited
his father's estate in Maxatawny. Peter Plank, grandson of the
emigrant (1745-1831), was an eminent minister of the Amish branch
(i.) Daniel lye Van died at an advanced age in 1777, leaving a wife Susan and
children Peter, Barbara Reeser, Catharine, Mary Siegfreid, Susan Kempf , Magda.
lena, Margaret and Daniel.
Note. — It is a significant circumstance that in the same vessel in which Peter
Herbine in 1732 came to Philadelphia there also appears in the list of women and
children the names of Anna LeVan, Xhristian LeVan, Margaret lycVan, Philip
lycVan and Barbara lycVan (Arch. XVII). In 1733 Anna Elizabeth I^eVan was
married to Sebastian Simmerman in Maxatawny. She was probably a sister to
Jacob LeVan, who lived there. In 1731 Sebastian Zimmerman and Anna Elisa-
beth and Anna Maria LeVan, of Maxatawny, were sponsors at a christening.
(Stoever's Records, p. 4 and 54).
Hosted by
Google
70 MKMORIAI^S OF run HUGUKNOTS.
of the Mennonite Church, and for upwards of fifty years one of the
bishops. Another descendent is the Hon. Joseph C. Bucher. (i)
Dr. De la Plank died in 1760, and his wife, Mary Catharine,
in 1773. Their children were Frederick, Catharine Shaffer, Mary
Keim and Sttsaima, The family emanates from the nobility of
Picardy (2) and has given many eminent names to the history of
France. The Ver Planks and De Planks, early settlers on the Hud-
son, are said to spring from the same stock.
Udree, — In this connection we may notice the Hon. Daniel
Udree, a son of Henry Udree, whose ancestors are believed to have
been Piedmontese refugees. Daniel Udree was born in Philadel-
phia in 1751, and when still quite young became connected with
the iron industry in Oley. He served throughout the Revolution,
first as Captain and later as Colonel of the Second Batallion of
Berks County militia, and was in command at the battle of Brandy-
wine and (probably) Germantown. Later he was a Major General
of State troops in the war of 18 12, served in the Legislature and
also in Congress, and died July 15, 1826. His monument may be
seen in the Oley Reformed churchyard. General Udree was a man
of commanding energy and ability.
Moravian Synod.
Mention has been made of the preaching of Count Zinzendorf
at the house of John De Turk in Oley. One of these meetings
constitutes an epoch in the history of the Moravian Church, and es-
pecially in regard to the conversion to Christianity of the North
American Indians, in which work they have been eminently suc-
cessful.
This meeting, which was held February 21-22, 1742, (3) was
the Third Moravian Synod, attended by all the dignitaries of the
Church, including Count Zinzendorf. At this Synod Andrew Es-
chenbach. Christian H. Ranch, Gottlieb Buettner and John Chris-
topher Pyrlaeus were ordained as ministers by Count Zinzendorf and
Bishop David Nitchman, and the Rev. John Hagan was solemnly
set apart as a missionary. At this meeting it was resolved to
(i). The Hon. Josei)h Casper Bucher, son of Rev. John Casper Bucher, D. D.,
an eminent Reformed minister, was b. in Middle town, Md., January 26, 1836. He
became a lawyer of distinction. In 1871 he was elected presiding Judge of the
XXth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. He was re-elected in 1881 and retired
in 1891.
(2). Arms — D'argent, billete de sable, au lion du meme, lanipasse et arme de
gueles, et un baton aussi du meme en bande, brochant sur le tout (Science des
Armoiries, p. 243).
(3). See "Memorials of the Moravian Church,*' Vol. I p. 180 — '^Loskiel's
History of Missions," Part II p. 21 — Rupp's History of Berks County, p. 237.
Hosted by
Google
GEN. JAMES A. BEAVER.
p. 77.
Hosted by
Google
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIALS OF THK HUGUKNOTS. 71
abandon the attempt to colonize Georgia, in consequence of which
man}^ who had already settled there later came to Pennsylvania.
On this occasion three Indians were baptized who are said to have
been the first fruits of the Moravians among the Aborigines. The
important ceremony is thus described by Loskiel : *'The whole
Assembly being met the three catecheumens were placed in the
midst, and with fervent prayer and supplication devoted to the Lord
Jesus Christ as His eternal property, upon which Ranch, with great
emotion of heart, baptized these three firstlings of the North Am-
erican Indians into the death of Jesus, in the name of the Father,
Son and Holy Ghost, calling Sabash, Abrahan — Seim, Isaac — and
YsAO^, Jacob,'' The meeting was rendered all the more memorable
from the fact that a large number of Delaware Indians had gathered
there, and to whom the missionaries preached and gave religious
instruction, and not until the dawn of the morning did the meeting
close.
John De Turk donated several acres of land to the Moravians
for church and school purposes. A church was erected here about
1743, and several Mission houses between 1745 and 1748 in which
they maintained a flourishing school for a number of years. One
of these buildings is still standing in a good state of preservation.
CHAPTER IX^
The Alsatians and Lorraines^
Strasbourg — Seizure of the City by the French — Surren-
der OF THE Provinces — Persecution and Flight of the
Inhabitants — Emigration to Pennsylvania — Alsace — Man-
ATAWNY — Men of Mark — Governors Ritner and Beaver.
** What sought they thus afar ?
Bright jewels of the mine ?
The wealth ofseas, the spoils of war f
They sought at faith* s pure shrine.
Aye ! call it holy ground^
The soil where first they trody
The^ve left unstained what there they found —
Freedom to worship God.**
3N the northeastern part of France was situated the beautiful
Province of Alsace, with its magnificent city of Strasbourg,
founded by the Romans near the beginning of the Christian
Era. This city during the early Reformation period had a semi-
independent character, being what is known as an ''Imperial city.
Hosted by
Google
72 me:moriai,s of thk hugui^nots.
With the great theologian, Dr. Sturm, at its head, it was for many
years one of the great bulwarks of religious liberty in Germany, and
multitudes of exiled Protestants found a refuge under its protecting
walls.
In 1 68 1 the city was treacherously seized by the French King,
Louis XIV., the despot who, in 1685, revoked the Edict of Nantes
and drenched his dominion with the blood of the Huguenots. The
entire Valley of the Rhine, as elsewhere noted, was utterly devas-
tated by the French. Through a lack of unity of the German na-
tion the Sovereigns of the Rhine Provinces were unable to resist
the overwhelming foe and they were ceded to France in 1697 by the
Peace of Ryswick. The German people, however, could never be
reconciled to their loss, and never rested until they were regained
as the result of the Franco-Prussian war in 1871.
After gaining possession of Alsace and Lorraine the Protestant
religion, while tolerated by the terms of the treaty, was practically
interdicted, which led many thousands to emigrate to Switzerland,
Holland and America.
Although the great victory of the Allies under the Duke of
Marlboro at Blenheim in the Palatinate in 1704 was a crush ng
blow to the Papists, nevertheless the subsequent withdrawal of the
Duke and his forces rendered the outlook of the Protestants any-
thing but promising. We have therefore, in addition to religious
intolerance, the horrors of war as a ground for the Huguenot, Men-
nonite and Palatine emigration to Pennsylvania.
Thousands of Alsatians and Lorraines came to Pennsylvania,
but having so much in common with their Palatine neighbors their
identity was almost lost in the general exodus. The Lorraines were
mostly French in name and fewer in numbers than the Alsatians.
The latter, nevertheless, possessed distinct traits of character which
distinguished them from the mass of German emigrants, a distinc-
tion so marked as to be traceable at the present day. In common
with the Huguenots their advocacy of liberty, and justice
has led an unusual proportion of their descendants into positions of
prominence. A very considerable number of them located in East-
ern Pennsylvania, especially in the Valley of the Schuylkill.
So numerous were the Alsatians in the present limits of Berks
that when the County was erected in 1752 a township immediately
north of Reading was named in their honor. ''Tradition has it
that the Huguenots and German Reformers held religious meetings
within a mile or two of Reading, and in conformity with the old
custom of their fathers in Europe, conducted their worship in the
evening as well as in the day time. They cultivated a spirit of
genuine piety and often met after night in each others houses for
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUKNOTS. 73
social prayers. For the purpose of public worship they erected a
church of logs. Later the Germans and Swedes worshiped in it
until 1 75 1 when the Lutherans erected a church in Reading." (i)
The foregoing, from an author who is recognized as an authority
on the Pennsylvania immigrants, makes it probable that the Hugue-
nots made use of their own language and religious forms in their
worship. This is not improbable when we consider their numbers
in the vicinity of Reading. The slight difference between their
worship and that of the Reformed, together with the predominance
of the German language, naturally tended to obliterate their iden-
tity in the course of a few decades.
The following of undoubted Huguenot antecedents were of the
early settlers of this locality and taxables in 1756: Dubree, Ja-
cob, Bolieu, Jacob (now Boiler), Le Mar, John (now Lemmer),
Gehret, George and Peter, Gannett, Adam, Noel, William, Le
Van, Isaac, Perlett, John, Le Beau, John, Ritner, John Abraham,
Lanciscus, George (died 1755), Hoyer, Carl.
In the Maxatawny Valley, northeast of Reading, a considera-
ble number of French people, chiefly Alsatians and Lorraines, lo-
cated. The name Horry (2) and Pickett (3) occurs here prior to
1730. These families probably removed south as they disappeared
in a short time.
A notable arrival was the Kieffer brothers in 1748. The fam-
ily name in France was Tomiellier, At the Revocation of the
Edict of Nantes (1685), the family fled to Deux Fonts (Zweibrucken)
for safety, and like many others changed their name for a German
equivalent which, in their case, was Kieffer (Cooper). Owing to
the devastation of the country by the French armies the sons de-
termined to emigrate. Abraham and Casper came to Pennsylva-
nia and settled near the present town of Kutztown, while
Marthi and Michael, two younger brothers, came to Baltimore in
1765. (4) The Kieffer posterity is both numerous and honorable
and has given many names of highest worth to both church and
state. One especially, whose name is worthy of honor, is that of
Daniel Kieffer, of Oley, Berks county, a plain and unassuming
farmer who bequeathed the sum of ten thousand dollars for the en-
dowment of a theological school for the Reformed Church and
which was the first gift of that character received by that denomi-
nation.
(i). Rupp's Hist, of Berks Co., p. 447.
(2). A family of this name was among the Huguenot refugees to South Caro-
lina prior to 1690, ancestors of Gen. Horry, of the Revolution.
(3). See Stoever's Records, p. 53.
(4). Letter of Rev. J. Spangler Kieffer, D. D., to the author.
Hosted by
Google
74 MEMORIAI.S OF THK HUGUENOTS.
The Gobin family, originally Cobean, comes from an Alsatian
refugee, the date of whose arrival is unknown. A son Charles was
a captain in the Revolution from Berks county. After the war he
located at Sunbury. He was the great grandfather of General J.
P. S. Gobin, (i) of Lebanon, Pa.
Markle. — One of the earliest Alsatian emigrants to Pennsylva-
nia vj^sjohit Chris ttnan Merklen (2) Markley). At the Revoca-
tion period his parents retired to Amsterdam, in Holland, from
whence John Christman came to the Maxatawny Valley and located
at Moslem Springs. Gas par d Markley, a son of the emigrant, in
1 77 1 became a trans- Allegheny pioneer and settled at West New-
ton, in Westmoreland county, where he erected the first mill west
of the mountains. He also erected a stockade fort for the protec-
tion of the frontier settlers. (3) Some of the descendents of Gas-
pard Markley became prominent men, notably his son. General Jo-
seph Markley (b. 1777, d. 1868), who was for many years promi-
nent in the business and political affairs of Western Pennsylvania.
In 1844 he was the Whig candidate for Governor, but was defeated
by his opponent, Francis R. Shunk, by a small plurality.
De Long, — The progenitor of the De Long family was Peter
De Long, (4) originally De Lang, who came to Maxatawny at an
early day from New York, where the family had located. The fam-
ily name will ever be distinguished by the heroic achievements of
Lieut. George W. De Long, of the American navy and leader of
the ill-fated Jeanette Polar expedition, in which he perished. (5)
Girardin, — The Girardin family (name variously written
**Sheradin," **Cheretin," etc.), was established in the Maxatawny
Valley, the emigrant ancestor being Jacob, who arrived in 1748.
Other emigrants of this name and who came to Berks county were
doubtless connections.
Ritner, — There is no name that shines with greater lustre on
the page of Pennsylvania history than that of Joseph Ritner (1780-
(i.) J. P. S. Gobin was born in 1837. He entered the War for the Union in
i86i, retiring from service in 1865 with the rank of Brevet Brigadier General ; ap-
pointed a Brigadier General in the Spanish- American War by President McKinley ;
entered the Senate of Pennsylvania 1884 : elected lyieutenant Governor 1898.
(2). See Keim and Allied Families, p. 301. The emigrant was born in 1678
and died 1766, leaving children : Peter, George, Christian, Casper, Catharine Sto-
ver, Frankina Rough, Mary Hill, Anna Maria Kramer and Anna I^ena. Will at
Reading.
(3). Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania, Vol. II p. 381.
(4). Peter De lyong died at an advanced age in 1760, leaving children : John,
Henry, Jacob, Michael, Abraham, Frederick and Barbara. Will at Reading.
(5). Lieut. George W. De Long was born n New York city in 1844. Becoming
deeply interested in Arctic explorations, 'he was sent on detached service to the
Polar regions 1879-80, in which he and nearly all his party perished after terrible
suffering.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 75
1869). In 1 750 his grandfather, yi:?/^:;^ Abraham Ritner^ bade adieu
to his war-scourged home in Alsace and came to Pennsylvania and
settled in Berks county. The family was originally seated in Si-
lesia and was of noble origin. One of the sons of the emigrant was
Michael, who was a soldier in the Revolution and the father of our
subject. When still quite young he settled in the Cumberland Val-
ley and at Newville he married Susan Alter, a farmer's daughter.
He soon rose to a high degree of public favor and was called to fill
many important public offices. He was elected Governor of the
Commonwealth in 1835. The acts establishing the public school
system had been passed under the administration of his predecessor,
Governor Shultz, but did not meet with popular approval and was
in imminent danger of repeal when Ritner was inducted into the
office.
In his message in 1836 Governor Ritner took such advanced
grounds, not only on the subject of popular education but on other
great moral and humanitarian questions, especially slavery, as to
attract the attention of the entire nation. By his conservation and
development of the free school system Governor Ritner conferred
a lasting benefit on the Commonwealth while his strong anti-slavery
utterances had great weight in shaping national sentiment for its
subsequent abolition.
In his advocacy of popular education and other beneficent
measures Governor Ritner was fortunate in having the support of
Pennsylvania's great Commoner, the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, who
in a great speech in advocacy of the Governor's measures, made the
famous expression, ^^ I shall place myself unhesitatingly in the
i-anks of him whose banner streams in light.''
The brave and advanced sentiments of Governor Ritner's mes-
sage of 1836 was made the subject of a lengthy and stirring lyric
by the poet, John Greenleaf Whittier. We herewith give the open-
ing stanza :
*' Thank God for the token ! one lip is still free!
One Spirit untrammeled, unbending one knee^
Like the oak in the mountain^ deep rooted a7id firniy
Erect whe7t the multitude bends to the storm ;
When traitors to freedom,^ and honor, and God,
Are bound to an idol^ polluted with blood.
When the recreant North has forgotten her trust,
And the lip of her honor is low in the dust ;
Thank God that one arm from the shackle has broken !
Thank God that one man as a freeman has spoken .^"
He was born in 1780 and died in 1869, and was buried at
Mount Rock, about eight miles west of Carlisle, Pa., in an obscure
graveyard where his grave was neglected. The Pennsylvania Leg-
Hosted by
Google
76 MKMORIAI,S OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
islature in 1901 made an appropriation to place a suitable monu-
ment at his grave which lias not yet been done.
Olcy Hills. — In the hill country contiguous to the Maxatawny
and Oley Valleys were seated a large number of Alsatians and Lor-
raines at an early day. Among them were the Reide^iours, (i)
Mosers, (2) Gerbcrs, (3) De la Camps, (4) Beavers, John Riihlin,
MattJiieu Morrett, Nicholas Qiieriii, John George RieJil, Henry
Linville, John Mich, GratceL The latter arrived in 1733 with a
large family and died in 1753.
The Beaver Family. — We learn from the *'Hill Church"
records that the family of John George Beaver came to Pennsylva-
nia in 1732 from Rosenthal, in Alsace. An examination of the ar-
chives shows that the ship **Pink" arrived in this year with a very
large number of Alsatians, among whom were Christena, Dorothy
and Jacob Beaver, the latter a minor. From a family record we
learn that among these was Anna Sabina Beaver, b. 17 19 and mar-
ried in 1740 to John Hess, of Oley. It is probable that the father
died on the passage to America.
In 1 741 arrived from Alsace '' Dieble'' (Dewalt) Beaver, aged
43 years, and sons John George, aged 21, John Jacob, aged 19, and
**Dieble" Jr. (Dewalt), aged 16 years. They located in the Alsa-
tian Colony in the Oley Hills, a few miles south of Kutztown. It
is probable that Dewalt Beaver was a brother of John George, al-
ready noticed. This family became very extensive and in Colonial
times many of them located on the frontiers. Their early family
records may be seen in the archives of the **Mertz" Lutheran
Church of that vicinity.
(i). John Reidenour, a vSon of Nicholas and Susanna Reidenour, of Rosenthal,
was born in 1690, was married in 1716 and came to America in 1739, died 1755,
John and Maria Catharine Reidenour had children as follows : John, b. 1717, d.
1721 ; George, b. 1718, ni. Elisabeth Klippinger and removed to Western Mary-
land where many of his descendents are found ; George Nicholas, b. 1720, did not
come to America until 1764 ; Margaret, b. ^722, m. to John Nicholas Philips ;
John, b. 1723, m. Elis. Herbine ; John Jacob, b. 1725, d. y. ; Catli. Barb., b. i728,
m. Peter Kohn ; Christina, b. 1729, m. John Adam Forch ; Christopher, b. 1731 ;
Maria Ellis, m. 1733 Conrad Smith ; Maria Albertina, b. 1735, d. y. ; Elisabeth, b.
I737» <i' y- \ Anna Ursula, b. 1740.
(2). In 1727 arrived the Rosenthal branch of theMoser family, and which was
probably connected with others that came from Wurtemberg later. In the above
were John Paul, Christian and Jost Moser, probably brothers. John Paul was a
son of Nicholas and Maria Elis. Moser, of Rosenthal, and was b. 1697, m. in 1723
Maria Barb. Cassel. They had children : Maria EHs., b. 1724 ; Francois, b. 1730;
Maria Christena, b. 1733 ; John, b. 1743, d. y.
(3). Gerber. — In 1738 arrived John Christian Gerber, age 46, and George Mi-
chael Gerber, age 32 years, from Alsace. They were probably brothers. John
Christian settled in the Oley hills.
(4.) De la Camp.— Henry De la Camp settled in the Hills 1753 and where he
carried on the manufacture of cutlery for many years.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THK HUGUENOTS. 77
Of the foregoing John George Beaver had a son, John George,
Jr., who served with distinction in the Revolution. The latter had
a son, Pete?' Bcave7^ {iy^2-\^^g), who became a pioneer minister
in the Methodist Episcopal Church and was one of the first minis-
ters of that denomination in America to preach in the German lan-
guage. He was one of the first ministers of this church in the in-
terior of Pennsylvania and died at New Berlin in (now) Union
count}^ where a granite monument marks his resting place and re-
counts his labors for humanity.
Rev. Peter Beaver was the grandfather of General JamiCS A.
Beaver, of Bellefonte, Pa., a gallant soldier of the Civil War,
elected Governor of Pennsylvania 1887, made a Judge of the Supe-
rior Court of Pennsylvania 1895, of which office he is still an in-
cumbent.
Another eminent descendant of Dewalt Beaver is Prof. George
G. Groff, M. A., M. D., professor of organic sciences in Bucknell
University, and late U. S. medical inspector of Porto Rico, whose
reputation 'is world-wide as an authority on sanitary and economic
science.
In 1768 arrived from Deux Ponts the brothers Michael, Val-
entijie and Jacob Biever (now Beeber), a branch of the same family
already noted. They located in the West Branch Valley. From
this latter stock comes Judge Dimmer Beeber, of Philadelphia.
In 1 817 two brothers, Melchoir and Rudolph Hoch (High), ar-
rived from Alsace and located in the Schuylkill Valley. In 1725
Rudolph Hoch located in Oley near the De Turks. The Hoch pos-
terity is both numerous and honorable.
The head of the Herbein family fled from France at the Revo-
cation and found asylum in the Palatinate where the name was
Germanized. About 1717 a son, Jonathan Herbein, arrived and
located in Oley. His name appears on the list of petitioners for the
erection of the township in 1720. In 1732 Petei' Herbein arrived.
In 1733 we find Jo7tathan, Peter and Abraham Herbein possessed
of extensive plantations in Oley. The supposition is that they were
brothers.
In 1730 arrived from Alsace the brothers Johii Valentine and
Casper Gi'iesanier, both of whom established families. The former
located in Goshahoppen in Montgomery, and the latter in Oley,
Berks county, where the village of Griesamersville perpetuates the
name.
In 1737 John Jacob Kanffman arrived from Alsace and also
located in Oley, but later removed to Chester county. He received
a good education in the city of Strasbourg, his native place, but
was compelled to emigrate because of religious persecution. He
Hosted by
Google
78 MKMORIAI.S OF the; huguknots.
was for many years a bishop in the Amish branch of the Mennonite
Church.
About 1729 Conrad Reif arrived from Alsace and located in
Oley. His connection with Jacob Reif, a prominent citizen of
Skippack who came some years earlier, is not known.
In Exeter township, Berks county, bordering along the Schuyl-
kill, a number of Alsatians and Lorraines located. Among others
were the Hugetts, of whom George was a taxable in 1734, and
Peter, who arrived in 1737. These were heads of families upon
arrival. The Aurands, from Alsace, were also early arrivals, Pe-
ter prior to 1737, and John prior to 1744. John Aurand, who ar-
rived in 1753, 'is elsewhere noted. John Wilier, who died in 1761,
was also an early resident. A Marquett family was early seated in
Amity. The Berks county branch derive their ancestry from Peter
(1763-1810), a son of the immigrant. There was evidently some
connection between this family diuA John Henry Marquett, who lo-
cated in Lebanon county prior to 1743.
CHAPTER X.
The Upper Delaware and Lehigh Region^
Huguenot Settlers of Bucks, Northampton and Monroe
Counties — DeNormandy — Bessonett — LaValleau — San-
tee — DuCoRSON — DeTray — DeBolieu — JouRDAN — LaBar
— ToHiCKEN — The Remarkable Settlement of the Mini-
sink — DePew Family — Michelet — Balliet — Grimm — The
Moravians — LaTrobe — DeSchweinitz — Clevel — LaBar —
LaWall — LaMar.
** They are slaves who will not choose
Hatred, scoffing and abuse.
Rather than in silence shrink
From the truth they needs must think ;
They are slaves who dare not be
In the right with two or three.^^
— L, L, Lowell*
vOT HE settlements in the region embraced in the counties of
* I Bucks, Monroe and Lehigh were greatly augmented by the
still earlier settlements on the eastern side of the Delaware.
Among the settlers were many Huguenots who came from the Col-
onies of New Jersey, Long Island, Staten Island and Esopus in New
York. Many of them located in Bristol and vicinity.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S Olf THK HUGUENOTS. 79
De Normandy, — Among the first residents of Bristol was the
DeNormandy family who descended from the nobility of France,
(i) The heads of the house were the Lords De la Mothe. In A.
I). 1460 Guillaume DeNormandy was made Governor of Noyon.
He was distinguished both for piety and energy, and the Chapel of
St. Claire, which he founded, is a fit memorial to his devotion.
His wife was a princess in her own right, being a daughter of the
Lord De Mialle d'Aisilly and Montiscourt.
Laurent DeNormandy, a descendent of Guilliaume, became
prominent in the Reformation. He was on terms of closest inti-
macy with John Calvin, the leader of the Reformation in France,
and was the executor of his will, having with him removed to Gen-
eva, in Switzerland, on account of persecution.
Both Laurent DeNormandy and his sons became prominent
in the affairs of the Swiss Republic. Jean DeNormandy was one
of the deputies of the Swiss Government to conclude a treaty of
peace with the Prince of Savoy in 1603. Joseph, a son of Jean,
was also a man of prominence, as was also Michael, son of Joseph.
The American branch came from Andre^ born in 165 1 and a
son of Michael. Andre was also a man of note and was in the ser-
vice of Frederick the Great many years and was his confidential
agent at Neufchatel. In 1706 he emigrated to Pennsylvania and
located in Bristol where he died in 1724. His son Abraham mar-
ried in 171 5 a daughter of Dr. Francis Gandonet, as also his brother
John Anthony. Abraham died in 1757 and John Anthony in 1745.
Both were men of prominence. Abraham was sheriff of Bucks
county in 1719 and chief burgess of Bristol from 1728 to 1731 and
from 1742 to 1744.
Bessonett, — The Bessonetts were originally seated in the
Province of Dauphiny, several of the name being prominent in the
Reformation, notably Claude DeBessonett. At the Revocation a
branch of the family fled to Ireland and from thence to America.
Of this family Richard Bessonett was a resident of Burlington,
New Jersey, in 1692. The Bessonetts were also seated in Bristol
in 1720, of whom was Charles Bessonett, (2) Deputy Postmaster
General during the Revolution War and a man of great business ca-
pacity. He was the first to establish a coach line between New
York and Philadelphia.
Santee, — The history of the Santee family is somewhat ro-
mantic, as the following brief sketch, furnished by Dr. Ellis M.
Santee, of Cortland, N. Y., shows : **The story of our ancestor, as
(i). Vide Davis' Hist, of Bucks County.
(2). See Davis' Hist, of Bucks County.
Hosted by
Google
80 MKMORIAI.S OF THK HUGUE^NOTS.
handed down to me by my grandfather, is as follows: '*In 1685,
about the time of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, Elias San-
tee lived in the Province of Bergundy. He was a French noble-
man and a favorite of the King. He had a son named Isaac who
was enamored of a German lady named Hahn, who was one of the
Queen's maids. Elias was a Huguenot and the King begged him
to renounce his religion and conform to the decree. This he re-
fused to do and was imprisoned. The Queen informed her maid
of what was coming to the family and she and Isaac were quietly
married and secretly left the country for Holland, there to await
the release of Elias. In 1690 Elias died in prison and Isaac and
his young wife came to this country, landing at Philadelphia. Soon
afterward he went up the Delaware and settled near where Easton
now stands."
John Santee, a descendant, was a distinguished officer of the
Revolution War.
After the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes y^^// and Nicholas
Lazelere came to New York. The former located on Long Island
and the latter on Staten Island. Nicholas^ Jr,, a son of the latter,
located in Bucks county in 1741.
DeBoileu, — The DeBoileu family is of patrician rank in France
and has given many eminent names to history, among them Des-
pereau Boileau (1636-1711), one of the most brilliant of all French
writers, and in literature called **The Legislator of Parnassus."
A Huguenot branch of this family l^ed at the Revocation to New
York and located on Long Island. Isaac, a son of this refugee,
came to Bucks county at an early day. He was the father of the
distinguished Nathaniel Boileu, (i)
The DicCorson family were also refugees who located on Long
Island, and from whence Benjamin came to Bucks county in 1726,
and located at the present village of Addersville.
In 1737 Christian DeTraj/ loca.ted where the town of Telford
now stands. In 1762 Conrad DeTray was naturalized in Phila-
delphia. His connection with the foregoing is not known.
Charles LeValleu settled at Bristol prior to 1695, Abraham
LaRue and sons Abraham, Isaac and David were also early arri-
vals. Ralph Dracot, of a refugee family in New Jersey, became a
resident of the county in 171 2.
(i). Nathaniel Boileu was born in Bucks county in 1763 and died in 1850. In
1808 he was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives and later was ap-
pointed Secretary of the Commonwealth by Governor Snyder. He held the office
three terms.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF TH:^ HUGUENOTS. 81
The Minisink.
Near the Delaware Water Gap, in Monroe county, are the
Minisink Flats, the settlement of which antedates the founding of
the Province by William Penn. The Minisink settlers were mostly
Huguenots from Esopus, on the Hudson river. Prior to the Eng-
lish occupancy they had constructed a wagon road through the wil-
derness from Esopus to the Water Gap on the Delaware, a distance
of about one hundred miles, over which they conveyed minerals and
other products from the Delaware to the Hudson river.
This Colony is remarkable from the fact that there are no
records of its establishment. It had no connection whatever with
the Colonies on the Lower Delaware, and of which the Minisink
settlers are said to have had no knowledge whatever, (i)
They were left undisturbed on their lands by the Pennsylvania
Proprietors until 1730 when the Surveyor General, Nicholas Scull,
and his deputy, John Lukens, proceeded to the settlement to in-
vestigate its character and titles. The surveyors were not able to
ascertain definitely the time of settlement, but they concluded from
the appearance of the buildings, orchards, etc., that it had been
made a long while ago.
DePew. — Among the settlers v^'o.^ Samuel De Pew, who located
on the New Jersey side of the Delaware in 1697. Later he pur-
chased from the Indians a large body of land on the Pennsylvania
side and on which the village of Shawnee is located.
Nicholas DePui (Depew), a son of Samuel, settled above
Easton on the Delaware about 1725. He was a man of considera-
ble means and ability and erected the first grist mill in this region.
Count Zinzendorf, the eminent founder of the Moravian Church in
America, visited him in 1742. Nicholas DePui, 5r., was a mem-
ber of the Council of Safety which met December 24, 1774, at
Easton to consider the threatening relations of the Colonies with
the Mother country. During the Revolution Nicholas, yr. , and
Benjamin DePui were members of the Committee of Safety and of-
ficers in the Continental service. Moses DePui, probably a brother
to Nicholas, Sr., was a justice of the peace for Bucks county in
1747 and many years thereafter.
The DePew family is of noble origin and has fufnished many
names notable in the history of France. Barthelmy Dupuy, born
about 1650, was a trusted lieutenant in the household guard of
Louis XIV. About 1682 he retired from the service of the King
and married the Countess Susanna Lavillon. At the time of the
Revocation (1685) he was summoned to recant his Huguenot faith.
(i). Hazzard's Register, Vol. I, 439.
Hosted by
Google
82 MEMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
At his request to consider over the matter he embraced the oppor-
tunity during the night to make his escape to Germany. After re-
maining there fourteen years he went to England in 1699, and from
thence to the Huguenot Colony on the James river in Virginia.
Here he died some time after 17 14, leaving to America the exam-
ple of a truly noble life. Many of his posterity have been among
our most distinguished citizens. Chauncy F. Depew, a descendant
of the emigrant to New York, has shed lustre on the family name.
In this Colony also was the Decha (now Desha) family from
Esopus. After the Revolution a branch of them emigrated to
Kentucky. Several of this name have became eminent, of whom
Joseph Desha, born in Pennsylvania in 1768 and Governor of Ken-
tucky 1 824- 1 828, was perhaps the best known.
Joui'dan. — In 1738 arrived Jea7i Jourdan, whose father fled
from France to the Palatinate at the Revocation. He established
himself at Mt. Pleasant, in Hunterdon county in New Jersey, but
his family eventually located in Pennsylvania. Among the sons of
the emigrant was Frederick^ born in 1744, and whose son John^
born 1770, located in Philadelphia. J ohii Jordan, Jr. (1808- 1890),
a son of the latter, was an eminent Moravian philanthropist who,
among other noble deeds, so munificently supported and endowed
the Pennsylvania Historical Society.
Tohickon, — In the Reformed society of Tohickon, which was
organized prior to 1733, there is said to have been a considerable
number of Huguenot members. The identity of most, however,
has been lost by the unfortunate transformation of names elsewhere
noted. Among the names preserved is that of the Laux family, the
head of which was Peter Laux, who arrived in 1737 — then also the
Sallada family. Tradition has it that there were five immigrant
brothers. A fuller note on this family will be elsewhere found.
The Lehigh Region.
In the romantic Valley of the Lehigh and the region ad-
jacent, a considerable number of Huguenots, principally Al-
satians, settled at an early day. Among the first arrivals in White-
hall township, in Lehigh county, v^2.^ John Jacob Mickley, who came
to America in 1733 and was the founder of a prominent family.
Jean Jacques Michelet (this was his French name) was descended
from a noble and distinguished Protestant family of the city of Metz.
(i.) His father, Louis Michelet 1675-1750), was a young mer-
chant in that city when he was married in 1697 ^o Suzanne Mangeot,
(i). In 1546 Michael Michelet was given the choice of recanting his faith or
burning at the stake. He chose the latter, declaring : '* InavSmuch as God has
given me grace to confess the truth He will not deny me strength to suffer for it. * *
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^ OF THE HUGUENOTS. 83
a pious and accomplished young lady of that place. No marriage
of Protestants being legal in France they proceeded to the free city
of Zweibrucken where they were married, and where they also re-
mained until after the birth of Jean Jacques the same year.
Louis Michelet was an earnest and devoted man and soon after
his marriage began to exercise the office of the ministry. In course
of time he became the pastor of the Huguenot congregation in
Zweibrucken where he continued to reside until his death. One of
his sons, Louis, born in 1705, in 1720 went to Berlin where he es-
tablished an influential family. The late distinguished Professor
Charles Louis Michelet, of Berlin, was a grandson, (i)
Upon his arrival in America John Jacob Mickley proceeded to
Berks county where he made his home with his kinsman, Jacob
LeVan. A few years later he came to the Lehigh Valley where
he married Elizabeth Barbara, a daughter of Ulrich Burkhalter,
and established himself on a large estate on which the village of
Mickleys is situated. Here he died in 1769. (2) Many of his
descendents have shed additional lustre on the honored family
name. His three sons served with distinction in the war of the
Revolution, viz. : John Jacob, John Martin diuAJohn Henry. The
first is noted as having brought the Liberty Bell from Philadelphia
to Bethlehem in September, 1777, in order to save it from capture
by the British. The late Joseph J. Mickley (i 799-1 878), a great
grandson of the emigrant, was a world-renowned antiquarian and
numismatist. He was the first President of the Numismatic and
Antiquarian Society of Philadelphia, besides being a member of
various foreign societies.
Balliet. — Paul Bailie t arrived in the Lehigh Valley in 1738,
and his hxoih&i: Joseph in 1749. This family was of patrician ori-
gin and has been traced back to A. D. 500, when one of this name
was commander of the army of King Clodowic.
In the days of William the Conqueror (A. D, 1066), an officer
of this name and connected with that expedition, remained in Eng-
land and settled in Sussex.
The Balliet family is traced in many important relations which
we cannot here detail until the XVth century, when a reformer of
this name was one of the first to suffer death for the cause of the
Reformation in the Province of Languedoc.
(i). Professor Michelet (1801-1893), was one of the profoundest scholars of
the last century and founder of a distinct school of thought. In his biographies
mention is made of his Huguenot ancestry.
(2). John Jacob Mickley had children ; John Jacob, 1737-1808 ; John Martin,
1745-1830, settled in Adams county ; John Peter, 1752-1828, settled in Bucks
county ; Henry, b. 1754, killed by the Indians in 1763 ; Barbara, born 1756, killed
by the Indians 1763 ; Magdalena, 1 745-1827 ; Susanna, b.
Hosted by
Google
84 MKMORIAI.S OF THK HUGUKNOTS.
At a later period, when the horrors of the Revocation (1685)
burst upon this Province, Jacques Balliet fled for refuge to Salm, a
small District between Alsace and Lorraine. The family, however,
soon found that there was no safety for Protestants in the French
Kingdom and sought refuge in foreign lands. Of this family were
Paul diVid Joseph, grandsons of Jacques. Paul Balliet was married
prior to his emigration to Pennsylvania to Magdalena Voturin, of
Lorraine, (i) The name is known in this country in its German-
ized form of **Woodring." Several of Mrs. Balliet's relatives,
among them Abraham Voturin and John Voturin (Woodring), also
came to Pennsylvania. The former settled in Lehigh and the lat-
ter in York county. The Balliet family has been an honor to this
State. Stephen, the third son of Paul, was a prominent man in
his day and filled many important positions. He was a Colonel
in the Revolution, in which capacity he rendered distinguished ser-
vice to his country. (2)
LaRose, — In the vicinity of Macungiey^<2;/ Louis LaRose (La-
ros), settled prior to 1740. He is said to have been of noble pa-
rentage and was compelled to flee from his native country because
of his religion. His son, John Jacob LaRose (175 5-1 845), was a
distinguished minister of the German Reformed Church in America.
Vesqueau, — In this same region also settled Jean Vesqueau
(Wesco) and his son Francois, who fled from Alsace, their native
land, to Holland, where they resided for some time and from thence
came to Pennsylvania. The thriving town of Wescosville, in Le-
high county, perpetuates their honored name.
Grimm, — In Weisenburg, Lehigh county, located in 1728
Egidius Grimm, who came to Pennsylvania in the same vessel
with the noted pioneer minister of the Lutheran Church, John Cas-
per Stoeven The Grimm family is of patrician origin and long
seated in Normandy. One branch established itself in Alsace from
whence Egidius Grimm emigrated to America as the result of re-
ligious persecution. An interesting circumstance attaches to this
family from the fact that an ancient pedigree, tracing the family
back to a Norman Baron who lived in the days of William the
(i). Paul Balliet, b. 1717, d. 1777. Children : Jacob, Nicholas, Col. Stephen,
1753-1821 ; John, 1761-1837 ; Paul, 1766-1845 ; Catharine, 1752-1823 ; Susan ;
Eva, 1 763-1 797 ; Magdalena .
(2). Col. Stephen Balliet was born 1753. He was a man of great energy and
capability, as is evinced by the fact that he was given the command of a battalion
at the opening of the Revolution. At the head of his command he participated in
the battle of Brandywinein 1777, member of the Supreme Executive Council 1783-
1786, member of the Convention to ratify the Federal Constitution 1787, member
of the General Assembly 1 788-1 790, member of House of Representatives (Con-
gress) 1 794-1797, Revenue Collector 1797. He died August 4, 1821.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 85
Conqueror, was brought by the emigrant to America. The first
Grimm family reunion was held at Hancock, Pa., in 1897, at which
time the connection numbered over one thousand souls.
LaBar, — In Mt. Bethel township, Northampton county, were
located the LaBars as early as 1730. Of this family were the
brothers Peter, Charles and Abraham, The latter became a dis-
tinguished officer in the Revolution. He first served as Major of
the First, and afterwards as Colonel of the Fifth Battalion of
Northampton County Associators, and rendered important service
as Commandant of the Guard at Easton Ferry. A number of the
family became men of mark, notably the late Judge DePew LaBar,
a descendant of Colonel LaBar.
About midway between Bethlehem and Easton located Daniel
LaU'all, father of Captain Heriry LaWall^ of the Revolution.
Other immigrants of this name are supposed to have been connec-
tions. In this county also located a LaMar family from which
came the famous Major Marien LaMar , who fell at the massacre
of Paoli September 20, 1777.
Moravian Huguenots*
The Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) owes its existence in
America to the devotion of Count Zinzendorf, a godly nobleman of
Saxony, who in 1722 began to gather the terribly persecuted fol-
lowers of the great Reformer, John Huss, on his estates at Berthels-
dorf. Espousing their cause he became their patron and Bishop.
Through his fostering care a considerable town called Herrnhut was
established on his estate by them, and from which place as a center
they sent out many missionaries and small Colonies to distant parts
of the world in their work of evangelization and in which they have
excelled all other churches in liberality and self-sacrifice. Among
the refugees thus gathered from all parts of Europe and united in
the bonds of the ancient Faith were a considerable number of
Huguenots.
In 1735 a Colony of Moravians was established in Georgia
which, on account of difficulties with Spain in 1741, was disturbed,
many of the Colonists coming to Pennsylvania. In 1741, under
the leadership of their Bishop, David Nitchman, they founded
Bethlehem, and later Nazareth and other places. In 1741 Count
Zinzendorf, with his devoted wife, came to America on a tour of
inspection and evangelization. On this visit he seems to have been
on terms of warmest friendship with some of the most prominent
Huguenot refugees in the Province, preaching in their houses, etc.
Among them may be mentioned Jean Bertolet and John DeTurk, of
Hosted by
Google
86 MKMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
Oley, Jacob LeVan, of Maxatawny, Nicholas DePew, above Eas-
Ion, and John Stephen Benezet, of Philadelphia.
These facts may serve to indicate the intimate connection be-
tween the Moravians and Huguenots in the early days of their dis-
persion. In later times there have not been wanting interesting
links connecting the history of the past with present associations.
When Count Zinzendorf returned to Europe in 1743 he took with
him to London Miss Anna Margaretha Antes, whose father, Henry
Antes, of the Falkner Swamp, near Philadelphia, was one of the
prominent lights of the Moravian faith. The object of the young
woman's journey to the Old World was to complete her education
in the Moravian schools. In England she met and married the
Rev. Benjamin Latrobe, a young Huguenot Moravian minister.
Three sons born of this union became men of eminence, and of
whom Benjamin came to Philadelphia in 1796. (i)
Another interesting link is the eminent Moravian family of
DeSchweinitz. After the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes a
Huguenot family named LeDoux f^ed to Stettin in Prussia. The
LeDoux family suffered terribly as the result of their faith. Soon
after 1565 Philip LeDoux suffered a martyr's death. A family of
this name was among the Huguenot refugees to New York. A de-
scendant of the refugee to Stettin, Amalie LeDoux, born in 1791,
married the Rev. David DeSchweinitz (2) in 18 12, with whom she
came to America, and from them the present American family de-
scends. It is also worthy of record that Rev. J. Mortimer Lever-
ing, a distinguished Bishop of the Moravians, also descends from
the Huguenots through his ancestor, Wigard Levering.
CleveL — One of the most prominent French Moravian famihes
in Northampton county is the Clevel (now Clewell) family. Their
history, like that of their coreligionists, is a story of suffering for the
sake of **the Faith once delivered to the Saints." (Jude, v. 3).
The name appears among the exiles to various lands as well as
among the galley slaves. One branch retired to Switzerland, from
which came Rev. David Clevel (b. 1754), a distinguished minister.
At the Revocation period one family fled from Dauphiny, France,
to Auerbach, in Baden. The names of the parents and children
(i). Benjamin Latrobe, Jr. (1767-1820), was unquestionably one of the great-
est architects of his age. He was in the service of the United States many years
and designed many public buildings, among which the American Capitol is his
most conspicuous monument. He was also a famous engineer and planned many
of the first river and harbor improvements of America.
(2). Lewis David De Schweinitz, Ph. D., born in Bethlehem, Pa., 1780, edu-
cated in Europe where he married in 181 2. Returned to America and labored as
a Moravian minister, locating finally at Bethlehem in 1821, and where he died in
1834. He was Senior Civilis Unitis Fratrum. He is known to scientists as one of
the most accomplished botanists of America.
Hosted by
Google
GRAVE OF MADAME KUECHLEY.
THE ANCESTRESS OF THE CLEWELL FAMILY.
P. 87.
Hosted by
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 87
are unknown with the exception of Francois, who was married to
Louisa Frache, of Geneva, Switzerland, with whom he had two
sons, Francis and George. Becoming for the second time a widow,
she and her sons in 1737 set out to find a home in the New World,
coming to Philadelphia poor in worldly goods but brave in heart.
The boys became Redemptioners and sold their services to a farmer
for a period of several years in return for the payment of their pas-
sage. Francis, the eldest of the sons, married Salome Kichlein in
1746. Soon after his marriage he removed to Bucks county, locat-
ing on the Bushkill Creek, about two miles north of Nazareth,
where he died in 1798 in the 78th year of his age. He was the father
of three sons and nine daughters, (i) He was a pillar in the Mora-
vian Church and his house was a preaching place from 1755 to 1762.
George Clevel, his brother, was also a Moravian and settled at
Shoeneck, a short distance north of Nazareth, where he died in
1793. His family consisted of nine sons and three daughters. (2)
The emigrant mother, Louisa Frache Clevel, also lived at Shoe-
neck, where she died. (3)
Several Moravian ministers of prominence were Alsatian refu-
gees. They WQve John Philip Meurer ?ind John Reinhart Ronner,
The former arrived in 1742 and the same year was ordained as a
minister and labored extensively in various congregations until his
death at Bethlehem in 1760.
John Reinhart Ronner was born near Strasburg, in Alsace, in
1698, and came to Bethlehem in 1743, where he was ordained to
the ministry the same year. After a brief but very active ministry,
five years of which were spent in mission work among the aborigi-
nes in St. Thomas, West Indies, he died at Bethlehem in 1756.
In the Bethlehem congregation were a number of members of
Huguenot extraction. Judith Brashier (nee Gasherie) was born at
Esopus, whither her parents had fled at the Revocation. Mary
Appolonia, the wife of John Bechtel, was born in Heidelberg in
1 69 1, whither her parents, named Marrett, had fled. Martha
Hussey was born in Paris in 1719. Her parents, named l^ilkes^
fled to England, from whence she came to Bethlehem, and where
she died in 1790.
(i). His children were : Francis, Nathaniel, John, Magdalena, Rosena, Juli-
ana, Catharine, Salome, Veronica, Maria and three others.
(2). Children : Jacob, John, Daniel, George, Joseph, Abraham, Francis,
Christian, Elisabeth, Catharine and Salome.
(3). The inscription on her tombstone is : ** Louise Kuechley, geborne
Frache, geboren Dec, 1695; Zu Geneve in der, Schweiz, mutter von Franz und
George Clewell, Sie war die Stam, mutter. Von der Zalreichen, Clewell Fami-
lie, Gestorben October, 1767.
Translation — Louise Kuechley, a born Frache, born December, 1695, in Ge-
neva, Switzerland, mother of Franz and George Clewell, and ancestress of the
numerous Clewell family, died October, 1767.
Hosted by
Google
88 MIEJMORIA.!^ OF THE HUGUENOTS.
CHAPTER XL
The Huguenots of Lancaster County*
The Valley of the Conestoga — The French Traders — The
Lancaster Church Records — Many Distinguished De-
scendants OF THE Huguenots — The Massacre of the Le
Roys.
•1
* * Be this my home till some fair star
Stoops earthward and shall beckon me ;
For surely Godland lies not far
From these green heights and this great sea,
Myfriendy m-y lover y trend this way —
Not far along lies Arcady,^^
O'f HE remarkably beautiful and fertile Valley of the Conestoga,
in Lancaster county, derives its name from a tribe of Indians
originally seated there. William Penn visited the valley and
was much impressed with it. For many years the whites and Indi-
ans lived together here on terms of amity and a number of import-
ant treaties were consummated here between the Proprietors and
the Indians.
Among the first settlers were a number of French traders who
had lived on the Schuylkill as early as 1690, and soon after 1700
removed to this valley. Chief among them were Peter BezillioUy
Martin Chartiery Joseph Jessup and Captain James Letort, They
were shrewd business men, well acquainted with the various Indian
languages, and were frequently employed as agents and interpreters
for the Provincial authorities. The many references to them in
the Colonial records are generally in important and honorable con-
nections. Bezillion came to the Province prior to 1687 and was a
very extensive land owner. He was a member of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, and at his death (i) in 1742 left a legacy for
St. John's parish. Chartier came to the Province prior to 1690 and
(i). Bazillion's grave may be seen in St. John*s churchyard, on the Lancaster
turnpike, near the Lancaster and Chester line. He died July 18, 1742, aged 80
years. Near him also reposes his brother-in-law, John Coombe, who died Septem-
ber 12, 1736, aged 78 years.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THK HUGUENOTS.
is sometimes referred to as ** the French glover of Philadelphia."
His trading post was on the Susquehanna, near the present city of
Columbia, and where he died in 171 8. His son Peter, also a trader,
removed to the Ohio Valley where he later associated himself with
the French and Indians in hostility to Pennsylvania.
The Letort family were members of the Episcopal Church and
came to the Province prior to 1689. Captain James Letort was a
resident of Philadelphia for many years. Both he and his sons were
engaged in traffic on the frontiers and were frequently in the ser-
vice of the Government. There is considerable confusion in the
Colonial Records regarding the personality of the Letorts arising
from the failure of the writers to distinguish between father and
son. (i) There are references to the traders as Papists, (2) but
there were other traders besides those mentioned and who became
involved in difficulties with the authorities to whom the reference
doubtless applies. (3) It is worthy of note that Lewis Mitchelle^
the advance agent and prospector of the Bernese Mennonites, spent
a number of years with these traders (i 703-1707) on terms of inti-
macy, and was accused by the authorities on the occasion of a mis-
understanding of having led the Frenchmen here. (4) It is hardly
probable that he would make Papists his boon companions while
seeking a home for his people where they might be free from re-
ligious persecution.
The chief interest of the French Protestant emigration to this
region centers around the arrival of the Ferree and Lefever fami-
lies in 1 71 2 and the advance refugees of the Mennonites who ar-
rived near the same time, an account of which the reader will find
elsewhere in this work.
Among the first arrivals was Samuel Boyer (17 10) with a large
family. A notice of the Boyers in Pennsylvania is elsewhere given
in this work.
(i). The dual Letort personality may be seen in the first two references fol-
lowing. He is referred to as '^Captain" in 1689 (Col. Records, Vol. I p. 557),
speaks of having been ** bred to the service of this Government from infancy**
(Col. Rec, Vol. II p. 100). He had a trading post at Conestoga prior to 1703 (Col.
Rec, Vol. II p. 123). Had a trading post at Letort Springs, near Carlisle, in 1731,
and lived there in 1735 (Hazzard's Register, Vol. XV p. 82). James, son of James
and Mary Letort, buried at Christ Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, 1709 (Penna.
Mag. of Hist., Vol. V). Judith Letort, same parents, buried 1711. EUsabeth^e-
tort, wife of James, died 1732. Francis Letort, son of Captain Letort, was killed
by the Indians while hunting on the Potomac river.
(2). Proud's Hist, of Penna., Vol. I p. 482.
(3). Col. Rec, Vol. II p. 405, 406. Col. Rec, Vol. II p. 420. Conyngham, an
early historian of Conestoga, says Letort was a Huguenot. Rupp's Lane. Co., p.
515-
(4). Col. Rec, Vol. II p. 420.
Hosted by
Google
90 MKMORIAI.S OF run HUGUENOTS.
Thomas Pei^rine (died 1747), of Huguenot ancestry, was one
of the first settlers and was probably a son of Matthew Perrine, of
England, who died in 1695 leaving lands in Pennsylvania. (Penna.
Archives, XIV., 384). Also /*^/^r Lemont, {i) Jonas Larue, Ja-
cob Barreey (2) and Hubert Hubert son, a friend and fellow- emi-
grant of the Ferrees. The initial settlement made and the pioneers
favorably situated the news spread with surprising rapidity among
the exiles in Holland, Switzerland and the Palatinate, and Lancas-
ter county soon became an objective point for many in a few years.
There was no distinctive religious organization maintained by
them for the reason that they had already affiliated themselves with
various branches of the Protestant Church in the land of their exile.
The baptismal record of the First Reformed Church of Lancaster
city, which was founded in 1731, contains the names of a large
number of Huguenot parents, and it is known that Rev. Charles
Lewis Boehm, who was pastor of the church from 1771 to 1775,
sometimes preached in the French language, which presupposes a
considerable number of French speaking parishoners. (3) From
the church records we extract the following names of Huguenot
fathers and the earliest entry of children for baptism :
John Casper Viller, 1733; Abr. DeGaston, 1736 ; Melchoir
Boyer, 1741 ; Jacob Rudisill, 1742 ; Jacob Velschang, 1742 ; An-
drew Beauchamp, 1745 ; Melchoir Fortune and David Mich. For-
tuney, 1749; Jacob Fortuney, 1753 (Forteneaux) ; John Ferree,
1745; CorneHus Ferree, 1745; Abraham Ferree, 1758; David
Fortunet, 1747; Peter LaRou, 1749; John Messakop, 1750;
Henry Racque, 1752 ; Peter Bonnett, Lorenz Marquet and DeBeau
Rosier; Martin Boyer, 1753; Abraham DeDieu, 1755; Jean De-
Dieu, 1773; John Jacob Allemand, 1755; John Jacob Huttier,
1753 ; Jacques Calvin Berott, John LeFever, Justice Trebert, 1756 ;
Jacob LeCrone, Abraham Caupat (Gobat), 1759; Francois De-
lancy, 1760; John Peter Roller, 1761 ; Adam LeRoy, Henry Du-
Keyness, 1762; Peter Mumma, 1764; John Henry Vissard, 1765;
Henry Maquinnett, 1765 ; Samuel Gurier, 1766; Jean Pierre Vo-
sin, 1767; Conrad Hillegas, 1768; Conrad DuBois, 1770; Joseph
LeBrant, 1771 ; Nicholas Dello, 1773. Besides the foregoing the
Doute, Raiguel, Jacques, (4) DuFresne, Dundore, Armeson and
Lorah families were members.
(i)] Rupp's Hist. Lane. Co., p. 516.
(2). Ibid.
(3). '' Brand, Elisabeth, daughter of Joseph and Magdalena, born July 28 and
baptized August 25, 1771. N. B.— This child was baptized in the French language
previous to the sermon which was preached in the same language.'* Extract from
Record.
(4). Jean Jacques, b. 1694 in France and died 1778. He was the ancestor of
the Jacobs family.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 91
The Trinity Lutheran Church of Lancaster, which was also
founded very early, had likewise a large Huguenot membership.
The following is a list of fathers with the earliest baptismal entry
of children :
Bernhart Hubele, 1748; Michael Hubele, 1749 ; Mich. Morett,
1754; Peter Bonnett, 1751 ; Francois Moreau, 1755; Jean Math-
iot, 1757; George Mathiot, 1764; John Peter Moreau, 1765;
Jacques Santeau, 1766; Jean DeMars.
Besides «ihe foregoing were the families Marquette, Dillier,
Rudesill, Cossart, (i) Bertie and Sponselier, (2)
Mathiot. — The Mathiot family claims ancestry from Jean Ma-
thiot, who was an officer in the French army at the time of the mas-
sacre of St. Bartholomew. Being a Huguenot he retired to the
mountainous region of the Jura for safety and where the family be-
came established. The emigrants to Pennsylvania were sons of
Marcus Mathiot and his wife, Jane Bautonet, of Dasle, in the De-
partment of Doubs. In June, 1753, their son Jean married Mar-
garet Catharine, (3) a daughter of Hon. Jacques Bernard, the mayor
of Dampierre, and his wife, Anna Maria Cuenot. Both the Mathiot
and Bernard families, the latter of whom were of patrician rank,
were of the Huguenot faith.
In ly^^Jean Mathiot and his brother George came to America
and located near Lancaster. Both were members of Trinity Luth-
eran Church of that place. (4) The Mathiot family in America
has ever maintained an honorable character. John, a son of Jean,
was sheriff of the county. He resided near Columbia where he was
accidentally killed by a companion while hunting.
George, another son, in 1776, when a mere youth, entered the
war for Independence and served to its close. He was a non-com-
missioned officer and served as interpreter. In 1787 he was
married to Ruth Davis, whose father, Joshua Davis, was a prom-
inent Friend of Elicott Mills in Maryland. Here George Mathiot
(i). Theopholis Cassart, a printer and publisher, was a prominent citizen
about the Revohitionary period.
(2). Philip Sponselier was b. in Lorraine in 1676, m. 1711 his wife Barbara.
He came to Lancaster county 1732, died 1752, leaving widow, three sons and three
daughters.
(3). The baptismal certificate of Margaret Catharine Bernard and the contract
between Marcus Mathiot and Hon. Jacques Bernard for the marriage of their chil-
dren is still in the possession of the American descendants.
(4). In Trinity Lutheran Church are recorded the baptisms of children of
Jean and Margaret Catharine Mathiot as follows : (i)— Christian, 1757; (2) — George,
1759 ; (3)- John, 1761 ; (4)— Anna Barbara, 1763, died 1768 ; (5)— Catharine, 1769 ;
(6)— Martin, 1771.
Of the children of George and Lncia Mathiot are recorded : (i)— John, b. 1764 ;
(2)— John Jacob, 1765 ; (3)— Mary and Sarah, twins, 1770. It is said that Christian
son of Jean Mathiot, was the father of nineteen children.
Hosted by
Google
92 MEMORIALS Olf THK HUGUENOTS.
resided till 1796, when he removed to Fayette county, Penn-
sylvania, where he died in 1840. He too was a Friend of pro-
verbial integrity and the founder of an honored posterity. His son,
Dr. Henry Bernard Mathiot, was a widely-known physician and
father of the noted specialist, Dr. Henry B. Mathiot, Jr,, of
Pittsburg.
Another son of George Mathiot was y^j/^^^ (1800- 1849), an
eminent lawyer of Newark, Ohio. He was a recognized leader of
the Whig party and was elected to Congress in 1841, where he at
once took high rank as an eloquent and safe counsellor on the mo-
mentous issues of his day. He was a worthy compeer of such
notable men as Daniel Webster and Henry Clay. His brilliant ca-
reer was suddenly terminated by death of cholera.
Forney, — This name, so honorably known in America, ema-
nates from several emigrant heads, all undoubtedly traceable to the
ancestral family seat at Ferney, a town in the Department of Ain,
on the borders of France, and near to the city of Geneva. The
name occurs prominently in French history. Some of this name
of the Huguenot faith forsook their native land because of the re-
ligious persecutions and located in Switzerland and the Palatinate
immediately adjacent, and from whence they came to America. It
is a significant fact that nearly all the immigrants of this name came
in the company of Huguenots. While we are not prepared to say
that all of the Forney immigrants were of Huguenot antecedents,
it is established beyond a doubt that Peter Forney^ Sr, , who came
to Lancaster county prior to 1733, must be designated as one. He
is known to have came from the borders of France, near Geneva,
which would incline to the belief that his home was at or near the
town from which the family took its name. The date of his arri-
val is not certainly known. In 1733 he obtained a warrant for
land on the Cocalico, and where he died intestate in 1749, leaving
five children (i) and a considerable estate.
It is a significant fact that his minor daughter, Anna, choose
as her guardian ** Christian Farnoy, " who was probably an uncle,
and arrived in 1734. The descendents of Peter Forney preserve
many traditions of their Huguenot antecedents. The late Colonel
John W. Forney, during a visit to France in 1875, had the pleas-
ure of meeting several distinguished personages of his name who
claimed kinship. Among the descendants of Peter Forney were
(i). He left childran : Abraham, Peter, Jr., Ann, Mary and Susan.
Hosted by Google
MKMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUKNOTS. 93
Col. John W. Forney (i) and Col. Wien Forney, (2) both of
whom were born in Lancaster county.
The father of Jacob Forney (i 721 -1806), fled from France to
the Palatinate, from whence the son came to Pennsylvania. In
Lancaster county he married Maria Bergner, and in 1754 removed
to Lincoln county, North Carolina, where he and his sons Jacob,
Peter and Abraham became very prominent. The son, Ge7i, Peter
Forney (i 756-1 834), served in the Revolution and was one of the
foremost men of the State, He was a member of Congress 1813-
181 5. His brother Abraham (1758-1849) also served in the Revo-
lution and greatly distinguished himself at the battle of King's
Mountain.
Hubele, — Among the families dispersed by the Revocation was
the Hubele or Oublier family. Augustine Hubele was a member
of the Huguenot Church in New York prior to 1690, (3) while a
number who had sojourned in the Palatinate came to Pennsylva-
nia. In regard to the immigrants there is some confusion. One
family historian holds (4) that the progenitor was Bernard Hubele,
a member of the refugee family and who, after residing in Germany
many years, came to Philadelphia with his sons Bernard (b. 1719),
2XiA Michael {h, 1722, d. 1804). The father is said to have died
soon after arrival. Another well-informed writer maintains that
Joseph Hubele, who arrived in 1732, was the progenitor, (5) which
is more probable. Be this as it may we know that all the immi-
grants of this name to Pennsylvania were closely related and all lo-
cated in Lancaster county.
Barnard Hubele, one of the younger immigrants, became
prominent and wealthy. He served as county treasurer from 1756
to 1762. During the Revolution War he was a staunch patriot
and commandant of the Lancaster Barracks and had charge of the
British and Hessian prisoners. His sons Adam (i 743-1 793), and
Barnard, Jr. (1754-1810), became prominent. Adam removed to
Philadelphia where he became a merchant. At the outbreak of the
(i). Col. John Weiss Forney was b. 1817, entered the profession of journaHsm,
became editor of '^I^ancaster Intelligencer" 1837, removed to Philadelphia and
took charge of the ' * Pennsylvanian " 1841, elected to Congress and was Clerk of
the lyower House 185 1, re-elected 1853, became editor of the ** Union " at Wash-
ington, Clerk of U.S. Senate 1861, editor '< Philadelphia Press, " later editor of
** Progress, " author of several interesting books. During the Civil War he was a
trusted and confidential officer of the Government.
(2). Col. Wein Forney (1826-1898), a cousin to Col. John W. Forney, entered
the profession of journalism and was the founder and editor of several newspapers.
He was a brilliant writer, ripe scholar, and for twelve years State lyibrarian of
Pennsylvania.
(3). Proc. Hug. Soc. of America. Vol. I p. 12,
(4). "Notes and Queries," by Dr. Egle, 1897.
(5). Ibid., 1898.
Hosted by
Google
94 MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Revolution he warmly espoused the cause of the Colonists. He
was a member of the Provincial Assembly in 1775 and later became
a Colonel in the Provincial forces.
Barnard, Jr., who served with distinction as an officer in the
German regiment, located at Northumberland at the close of the
Revolution where he lived on terms of intimacy with the famous
scientist and discoverer of oxygen, Dr. Joseph Priestly. Turning his
attention to literary pursuits he wrote a number of books, the most
important being a history of the Revolution War, published in 1807,
and which is said to have been the first book written on that sub-
ject.
Michael Hubele, the emigrant, also located at Lancaster and
was a man of influence. His sons Adain (i 759-1 798), and Joh7t
(1747-182 1), became men of distinction. Adam became a resident
of Philadelphia and took a prominent part in the Revolutionary
struggle. He served throughout the war and retired at the close as
Colonel of the Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Line. John Hu-
bele was an eminent lawyer and member of the Constitutional Con-
vention 1776, member of Committee of Safety 1 776-1 777, ap-
pointed Major and put in charge of commissary stores in 1777, made
a Justice in 1777 and a member of the Convention to frame the
Federal Constitution in 1787. Frederick Hubely, also an emigrant,
died in 1769.
At the Revocation the LeRoy family took refuge in Switzerland,
and from whence Abraham (i) and Jea7t Jacques LeRoy, brothers
and both heads of families, came to America. The family of Abra-
ham became well established, the name being Germanized to
* * Koenig " or * * King. " His daughter Susan in 1762 became the
wife of Rev. Philip W. Otterbine, (2) the founder of the Church
of the United Brethren in Christ. Elizabeth became the wife of
the celebrated Rev. William Hendel, D. D.
Jean Jacques LeRoy in 1754 removed to the frontiers where
he located by the side of a fine spring about two miles south of the
present town of Miffiinburg, in Union county. Upon the outbreak
of the French and Indian War in 1755 the savages of the Ohio re-
gion made a hostile incursion on the frontiers, and on October 16,
i755> devastated this entire region, murdering upwards of twenty-
(i). He settled in Heidelberg township, now L,ebanon county, where he died
1764, leaving children : Abraham, John Peter, Susan, Ann Maria, Salome and
Elisabeth.
(2). Philip William Otterbine (1726-1813), a learned young minister of the
Reformed Church, was sent in 1752 by the vSynod of Holland as a missionary to
Pennsylvania. He located in I^ancavSter. In 1774 he removed to Baltimore where
he founded a society differing in polity from the Reformed Church, and from which
sprang the United Brethren in Christ, of which Otterbein is regarded as the founder.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 95
five persons. LeRoy and his entire family, with the exception of
two children, met a horrible fate. They were cruelly butchered and
their cabin was burned over their heads. Among those taken into
captivity were Annie and Jacob LeRoy, Barbara and Rachael Lin-
inger and Annie Willard, the Liningers and Miss Willard being vis-
iting relatives from Lancaster. After a captivity of almost four
years Anna LeRoy and Barbara Lininger made their escape from
the savages, A narrative of their remarkable experiences was pub-
lished, (i)
Roller, — The Roller family of France is both ancient and hon-
orable and early espoused the cause of the Reformation, and in
consequence of persecution several branches fled to adjacent coun-
tries. It is interesting to know that the family in France still ad-
heres to the Huguenot faith notwithstanding the terrible ordeals
through which it has passed. Many of this name have achieved
honorable distinction, notably Dr, Jean Louis Theophile Roller
(i 829-1 895), one of the leading ministers of the French Reformed
Church. Dr. Roller first served a congregation at Balbec in Nor-
mandy, after which he removed to Naples in Italy where he was
pastor of the French-German Protestant Church for six years.
From thence he removed to Rome, where he was pastor of the
French Church ten years. During his pastorate at Rome he thor-
oughly explored the catacombs and remains of the ancient Christian
Church in that city. The results of his immense labors were pub-
lished in two folio volumes, justly regarded as the greatest work of
its kind in existence. Failing health compelled him to return to
France, where he soon afterward died at Tocqueville en Caux. (2).
Among the refugees to Erlangen in Bavaria in 1685 was a
branch of this family and from which came Dr, Conrad Roller, a
distinguished Lutheran minister in America. He was educated at
the University at Erlangen and came to Pennsylvania when still
young. He was a close friend of Muhlenberg, the founder of the
Lutheran Church in America, and his name appears as a member
of the first Synod in 1748.
John Peter Roller, supposed to have been a brother to Dr.
Conrad Roller, arrived in 1752 and located at Lancaster, and in
1767 removed to the Shenandoah Valley, Va. A distinguished de-
scendant is Gen. John E. Roller, of Harrisonburg. The connection
of this family with other immigrants of this name is not known.
(i). Penna. Archives, Vol. Ill p. 633. Ibid., VIII., p. 403-
(2). It is worthy of note that upon the death of Dr. RoUer his immediate fam-
ily sent a mortuary notice to the representatives of the various branches through-
out the world in accordance with the old Huguenot custom. That received by Gen.
J. B. Roller, of Virginia, is inteilesting.
Hosted by
Google
96 MEMORIAI^S OF THK HUGUENOTS.
The Bonne tt family belongs to the nobility of Lorraine (i) and
was of high standing during the Reformation period. The
name is often met with in Huguenot literature. Being mostly
Protestants they were greatly scattered during the persecutions,
some going to England, Switzerland and the Palatinate. Tt was
from Switzerland (2) that the several branches in America came.
One of the earliest of this name in Pennsylvania was Jean Jacques Bon-
nett and wife Marie who arrived in 1733 with a considerable family.
The Marchand family has given many distinguished names to
France, a distinction well maintained in America, as among the
descendants of the emigrant David Marchand, who located at Lan-
caster, a number became noted, and of whom was Hon. David
Marchand, Jr., who was elected to Congress in 18 17, serving two
terms, Hon. Albert G. Marchand, who was elected to Congress in
1839, and also served two terms, then also Commodore John Bon-
nett Marchand who so greatly distinguished himself in the battle of
Mobile Bay in 1864. (3)
Fra?tcois Mentjes and his wife Elisabeth Bouvier were among
the early Lancaster Huguenots of whom we know little except that
they were refugees and that the father probably died soon after their
arrival.
Two children only of the emigrant are known. They were
Francis, an officer in the Revolution, (4) and Elisabeth, who be-
came the wife of Casper Egle, the ancestor of the noted historian,
Dr. W. H. Egle, of Harrisburg.
Among the refugees to Holland at the Revocation was a de-
scendant of the Huguenot author and minister Jean Dillier. A
son of the refugee named Casper went to England where he mar-
ried. From thence he removed to Hidleberg, in the Palatinate,
where his children were born. In 1738 he emigrated to Pennsylva-
nia. He located near New Holland, where he died in 1773 at the
advanced age'of one hundred years. (5) In 1752 Francis Dillier,
whose connection with the foregoing is not known, located in
Brecknock, where he died in 1784.
(i). ''Science des Armoiries."— P. 254, Arms. "D'azur a un bouf d' or,
surmounte de trois etoiles du nieme rangies en chef."
(2). The noted scientist, Dr. Charles Bonnett, was born at Geneva in 1720.
(3). Commodore Marchand was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, entered the
navy in 1828, and served with distinction in the Seminole, Mexican and Civil war.
In the battle of Mobile Bay he commatided the ^'Ivackawanna ; Was made a Com-
modore in 1866, and died in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 1875.
(4). Colonel Francis Mentjes served throughout the Revolution. He com-
manded for a time the Fifth Pennsylvania Ivine; vserved with Wayne in the West ;
died at Cincinnatti about 1812.
(5). He had sons—Philip Adam, who died in 1781 ; John Martin and Casper
Elias, besides seven daughters.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF the: HUGUENOTS. 97
DcBozv {DeBus), — This name, originally DeBeau, often met
with on the lists of Huguenot refugees, was well represented among
the arrivals in Pennsylvania. The first to appear were Abraham
and Philip DeBos, also Anna, all in the same vessel in 1732.
These were doubtless relatives. In 1734 Philip was married in
Coventry, Chester county, by Rev. John Casper Stoever, and in
1750 his will was filed at Lancaster. In 1743 arrived Ludwig
DeBos, aged 36, Daniel, aged 28, d^nd Jacob, aged 26 years. They
came in the same vessel and were doubtless brothers. In 1745
Daniel died at Lititz, in Lancaster county. In 1750 arrived Chris-
tian DeBos y aged 23 years.
The family were early pioneers in the South and West. Solo-
mon DeBoiv, from Bucks county, Pa., was a resident of Orange
county, North Carolina, in 1755, R^v. John DeBow was sent as
a missionary by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, New Jersey, to
the Huguenot settlement in Duplin county. North Carolina, at an
early day, and died there about 1778.
DiiTay, Donty, Doiite, — Many branches of this family were
exiles, and the name appears among the refugees to various Pro-
testant countries, and also on the lists of galley slaves. A refugee
family of this name, the head of which has not been ascertained,
located in Lancaster county at an early day. Two sons are defi-
nitely known, namely Nicholas and Henry Baldy Dotity, both of
whom were born in France. The former removed to the mouth of
Seneca lake, in New York, and the latter, who was an accom-
plished scholar and schoolmaster, was one of the first residents of
Milton, Pennsylvania. He suddenly disappeared in 1790, and was
supposed to have been murdered.
Sumois. — In 1733 arrived Pierre Sumois with a number of
adult sons, all of whom took up land in Lancaster county. The
name appears on the land and court house records in its German-
ized form of Sumey, Peter, Jr. , one of the sons, located in Tulpe-
hocken prior to 1755, where his name appears on the records of the
Reformed Church in its French form of Sumois.
Fortineaiix, — Several branches of the Fortineaux (Fordny)
family were dispersed from France by the persecutions. The name
is met with among the refugees in various lands. Jean Henri For-
tineaux came to Pennsylvania about 1720, and was naturalized in
1727. He was one of the first settlers in Frederick county, Mary-
land. In 1737 arrived the brothers Francis, aged 26, Michael,
aged 22, diuA Melchoir, aged 19 years, all of whom located in Lan-
caster and became prominent citizens. Melchoirdied in 1754, and
Michael in 1 7y2>, Other arrivals of this name have not been located.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^ Olf THE HUGUENOTS.
Beauchamp, — In 1731 arrived y^^;^ Beauchamp, (i) and wife
Barbara, the head of the ''Bus hong'' family, now so numorous in
America. He located in East Lampeter, near the Heller Church.
He was born in France in 1692. His son Jacob located in Berks
county and was the head of the Bushong family of Berks county,
while another son, Peter, emigrated to the Shenandoah Valley in
Virginia, and founded the Southern branch. There was also a Ja-
cob Bouchon in York county prior to 1755.
Pons, — Several Protestant branches of the DePons family lo-
located in Lancaster county at an early day. In France the family
is of noble rank and has given many illustrious names to history.
Jacques Pons was an eminent Huguenot divine. Another notable
personage was Mareshal DePons who was the French minister to
the court of Prussia in 1772. At the Revocation of the Edict of
Nantes one branch of the family fled for safety to Offenbach, in the
Palatinate, and from whence several members came to Pennsylva-
nia. Jacque in 1727, Augustus in 1738, and Abraham in 175 1.
Ranc (Ranck). — This family was prominent in the French
Protestant Church, and one of this name sealed his faith with his
life. This was Rev. Louis Ranc, pastor of the church at Die, who
suffered death in 1745. The ancestors of the American branch
were the brothers John Michael Ranc, who arrived in 1728, and
John Philip Ranc who arrived a year later. They came from
Alsace, and both located in Lancaster county. During the war of
Independence the Ranc family was especially noted for its patriot-
ism, and nearly all its members capable of bearing arms were in the
war.
Litiz, — In 1742 Count Zinzendorf founded the Moravian So-
ciety of Litiz, in Lancaster county. Connected with this commu-
nity were a number of members who were of Huguenot origin, of
whom were the following : Rev, Philip Meurer, who was born in
Alsace, and came to Pennsylvania in 1742. He died in Donegal in
1759. Henry Haller, born in Alsace in 1719, arrived in 1733, and
was the father of the distinguished Colonel Henry Haller of the
Revolution. Daniel Heckendorn from Alsace, 1736, father of an
honorable posterity, and who died in 1782, and Daniel Lecrone
prior to 1750.
In Warwick township, in the vicinity of Brickerville, were lo-
cated the following : Jacques Simonett, who arrived in 1727. He
was then well advanced in years. His warrantee for land is dated
1733, in which year the name of Isaac also appears, who was
doubtless a son. Nicholas Parrett, 1730, Jacques and Herman
(i). Jean Beauchamp's family consisted of John, Philip, Peter, Henry, Jacob,
David, Mary, Barbara and Elisabeth.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUE)NOtS.
LaTour, 1749. The latter died in 1774. Martin Oberliii in 1730,
With sonSy John Michael dinA John Adam, The Oberlins are dis-
tinguished in the history of France, notably the Reformer of Ban-
de-la- Roche» (i) who was a relative of the Pennsylvania Oberlins.
In Cocalico appears the name of Sebastian Coquelin, who ar-
rived in 1739 with his family, of whom Jean and Dietrich were
adults. The name has been perverted to **Cockly" and **Cocklin."
John and George Achey^ Francis Dutill, Leonard, John and Jacob
Mumma and the Guilliaume family, (Williams), all of whom ap-
pear about the middle of the century.
Among others of Huguenot antecedents who located within the
bounds of Lancaster county were the following : Henry Bleim who
died in 1739; Pierre Delone, Johft Detar, Casperius Viellard,
Jean Jacques Lapierre, This name was early Germanized to
'*Stein/' (Stone), with the result that most of the descendants are
unaware of their Huguenot ancestry. Jacques Duey (Dewy), Jean
and Paul LeCene, the former was born in 1686, and the latter in
1688, and died 1766 ; Jacques Lejune, changed soon after arrival to
its English equivalent ** Young," several of the Marline family,
John Michael Motter (originally Motteur), Jean Hotel, Francis
Peter Laurans, who died in 1758, Laura7ts Pier son, Pierre
Armeson came in 1753 and died in 1774, James Picquart, who
died in 1749, Pierre Fleury, who came in 1732, Jean Chateau
(now Shd.Ao'^), Jo hft Jacob Laschet (Lawshe). Then also the famil-
ies Mercier, Roque (Rockey), Deshong, Rosher and Raquet.
(i). Jean Frederick Oberlin (1740-1826), a distinguished minister of Alsace,
who in 1766 became pastor of the Stein-thal or Ban-de-la-Roche, a wild mountain-
ous region. The manner in which he effected the moral and industrial revolution
of the valley was wonderful indeed.
. • ••••
• • • * 3
Hosted by V^OO^f (
100 MEMORIAI^S OF run HUGUKNOTS.
CHAPTER XIL
The Pequea Colony.
The Ferrees — The Family Flee to Germany — They Are Joined
BY Isaac LeFever — They Resolve to Emigrate to America
— They go to London — The Madame is Introduced to
Queen Ann by William Penn — They Join Rev. Joshua
Kocherthal's Party and go to Esopus in New York — From
Thence Journey to Pennsylvania — Are Received by the
Indian Chief Tawana — Madame Ferree Dies in Peace —
Her Family and Distinguished Descendants.
* * While here we stand with planted feet
Steadfast where loyal souls have stood ^
Upon us let the te^npest beat
Around us swell and surge the flood,
We fall or triumph on the spot —
God helpiftg us we falter not.''^
~'^?^\URING the dark and troubled period of the Revocation
* J 1 of the Edict of Nantes (1685) there hved in France
(5"^^"-^ a family named Ferree. (i) The parents, Daniel
and Mary Ferree, were married in 1669. The fruit of this
union were six children, viz : Daniel, John, Philip, Catharine,
Mary and Jane. The Ferrees descend from the nobility (i) and
were people of the highest respectability and staunch and
fearless in their adherence to the Reformed faith. Daniel Fer-
ree was a silk manufacturer, and from what can be gathered he was
a man of wealth and high position in his native place. In order to
carry out the provisions of the Edict to wholly extirpate the Re-
formed religion from the Realm the cruel Dragonades were sent to
(i). The Ferree, Ferrie, LaFerree, family are of the nobility of France and
was originally seated at Forchamps, in lyower Normandy. The founder of the
family was Robert Ferree, who in A. D. 1265 was confirmed to an extensive CvS-
tate. M. Ferry, a great statesman of France, was of this stock. For Ferree his-
tory see ** Nobility of Normandy," Vol. II p. 357.
Ferree Arms — De gueules, a trois annelets d'or Couronne ; De Compte — sup-
ports, Deux lions.
Hosted by
Google
COL. DANIEL Le FEVRE.
p. 108.
Hosted by
GKVA
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^ OF THK HUGUEJNOTS. 101
the town in which Ferree Hved and were quartered upon the
Protestant citizens of the place. We may well imagine the misery
and wretchedness caused by their coming to the unfortunate Protes-
tants. Amid all this confusion the Ferrees escaped in the darkness
of the night and fled to Strasbourg. How long the Ferree family
remained at Strasbourg is not known. From here they went to
Lindau in Bavaria, which was also an Imperial city, and hence af-
forded them security. Here Daniel Ferree died, and after his death
his widow assumed her maiden name of Warembur as an addi-
tional means of safety, and it is a remarkable fact that she thereaf-
ter preferred to be known by that name. Family tradition has it
that they also sojourned in Holland, but from a number of circum-
stancs we deem this improbable except, perhaps, for a brief period
while on their way to London.
During the sojourn of the Ferrees in Germany they were joined
by Isaac LeFever, whose parental home had been broken up and
some of the family had perished at the hands of the Papists. This
young man, of whom more will be said presently, married Catha-
rine Ferree, eldest daughter of the Madame, several years prior to
their emigration to America. The situation of the French Protes-
tants who had fled to the Palatinate, while infinitely better than in
their native land was, nevertheless, unsatisfactory. Besides being
overcrowded with refugees, the Rhine Provinces were again and
again ravaged by the Papal troops to such an extent that thousands
of the inhabitants determined to seek peace and quietude in the
wilds of the New World.
It is therefore no wonder that the Huguenots should follow the
example of their German brethren to seek a home where they might
serve the Lord unmolested by the cruel Inquisitor and brutal
Dragoon.
The Ferree family also decided upon emigration. The head
of the family now was Daniel, the eldest son, and who was a man of
family, the rest, with the exception of Mrs. LeFever, being still
single.
Madame Ferree's Passport.
The first step necessary in taking their departure was to secure
from the civil authorities a certificate of standing and passport.
This was done by Madame Ferree on behalf of the family. The
original document, of which the following is a translation, is said to
be still in the possession of her descendants :
»* WHEREAS, Maria, Daniel Fuehre's widow, and her son,
Daniel Ferie, with his wife and six single children, in view of im-
proving their condition and in furtherance of their prosperity, pur-
Hosted by
Google
102 MEMORIAI^ OF THE HUGUENOTS.
pose to emigrate from Steinweiler, in the Mayorality of Bittingheim,
High Baihwick Germersheim, via Holland and England, to the
Island of Pennsylvania, to reside there. They have requested an
accredited certificate that they have left the town of Steinweiler
with the knowledge of the proper authorities, and have deported
themselves, and without cause for censure, and are indebted to no
one, and not subject to vassalage, being duly solicited it has been
thought proper to grant their petition, declaring that the above-
named persons are not moving away clandestinely.
** That during the time their father, the widow and children
resided in this place they behaved themselves piously and honestly
that it would have been highly gratifying to us to see them remain
among us ; that they are not subject to bodily bondage, the Mayor-
ality not being subject to vassalage. They have also paid for their
permission to emigrate. Mr. Fisher, the Mayor of Steinweiler,
being expressly interrogated, it has been ascertained that they are
not liable for any debts. In witness whereof I have, in the ab-
sence of the Counsellor of the Palatinate, etc., signed these presents,
gave the same to the persons who intend to emigrate.
** Dated Bittingheim, March lo, 1708.
) L. S. t '^J. P. DIETRICH, Court Clerk."
The civil passport having been obtained the next step was to
obtain a certificate of standing and dismissal from the French Re-
formed Church at Pelican, of which they were members. That
given to Daniel Ferree is given in the following translation :
* * Certificate for Daniel Firre and his family.
**WE, the Pastors, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed
Walloon Church of Pelican, in the Lower Palatinate, having been
requested by the Honorable Daniel Firre, his wife, Anne Maria
Leininger, and their children, Andrew and John Firre, to grant them
a testimonial of their life and religion, do certify and attest that
they have always made profession of the pure Reformed religion,
frequented our sacred assemblies, and have partaken of the supper
of the Lord with the other members of the faith, in addition to
which they have always conducted themselves uprightly without
having given cause for scandal that has come to our knowledge.
Being now on their departure to settle elsewhere we commend them
to the protection of God and to the kindness of all our brethren in
the Lord Christ. In witness whereof we have signed this present
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS. 103
testimonial with our signature and usual marks. Done at Pelican,
in our Consistory, the loth day of May, 1708.
MICHAEL MESSAKOP,
J. ROMAN, Pastor,
PETER SCHARLET,
JAMES BAILLEAUX, Deacon.
JOHN BAPTISTE LAPLACE, Deacon."
**THE undersigned children, to wit: — Andrew and John
Firre — were baptized, the first in the church at Steinweiler in the
year 1701, on the 28th of September. His sponsors were Andrew
Leininger and his wife Margaret Leininger. The other, to wit : —
John — was baptized in the Church of Rhorbac in the year 1703, on
the 8th of February. The sponsors were Abraham Ptillon and Ju-
dith Miller, both of Steinweiler."
The Start For Loadon.
With these documents in hand the party set out for England
in order to make further arrangements regarding their settlement in
America. Upon their arrival in London Madame Ferree visited
William Penn in person, and to whom she made known her situa-
tion. Penn became deeply interested in the sad story of her mis-
fortunes and the next day he introduced her to Queen Ann, the Sov-
ereign of England. The good Queen, whose great kindness of heart
had already been shown in her open hand of charity to thousands of
French and German refugees, was likewise deeply moved with pity
at her misfortune and promised her substantial aid, which she in
due time rendered. William Penn covenanted to give her a tract
of land and which she obtained upon her settlement in Pennsylvania.
Embark For America*
The party remained in London about six months during which
time the Colony of Rev. Joshua Kocherthal was organized, com-
posed of French and Palatine refugees from Lindau in Bavaria.
This party, which the Ferrees and LeFevre joined, obtained from
the Queen a patent of naturalization and permission to colonize in
America. The instrument, which is dated August 27, 1708, con-
tains the names of fifty-four persons, most of whom came to Penn-
sylvania some years later. The party arrived safely in New York,
from whence they proceeded to Esopus, nearly a hundred miles up
the Hudson river, and where they remained several years with their
Huguenot friends, (i)
H). Michael Ferree was one of the early Huguenot settlers of Esopus. At
the destruction of Wiltwyck by the savages June 7, 1663, his house was burned, a
child taken captive and himself wounded so severely that he later died from the ef-
fects. The I^efever family was also established at Esopus quite early. Andreas
Lefevre was one of the 12 Patentees, 1677. (Doc. Hist. N. Y., XIII p. 245-506).
They were all, without doubt, relatives to the Pennsylvania immigrants.
Hosted by
Google
104 MKMORIAI^ OF THE HUGUKKOTS.
The Ferree family had no intention of settling permanently in
New York, since the interviews of the Madame with Penn and his
liberal grant to her of a great body of land presupposes arrange-
ments for a settlement on them. Circumstances at length became
favorable for their departure to Pennsylvania to take possession of
their estates. This land, consisting of two thousand acres, was a
part of the 10,000 acres granted by William Penn to Martin Kindig
and others, agents of the Mennonite Colony. The lands were se-
lected by the agents in 1709. The warrant is dated October 10,
1 7 10. The land was surveyed on the 23d of the same month and
subdivided April 27, 171 1, by the Surveyor General, (i)
From the pen of an unknown writer we give an account of the
arrival of the Ferree's in Lancaster county in 171 2. (2) ** It was
on the evening of a summer day when the Huguenots reached the
verge of a hill commanding a view of the Valley of the Pequea. It
was a woodland scene, a forest inhabited by wild beasts, for no [in-
dication of civilized life was very near. Scattered along the Pequea,
among the dark green hazel, could be discovered the Indian wig-
wams — the smoke issuing therefrom in its spiral form. No sound
was heard but the songs of the birds. In silence they contemplated
the beautiful prospect which Nature presented to their view. Sud-
denly a number of Indians darted from the woods. The females
shrieked, when an Indian advanced and in broken English said to
Madame Ferree : * Indian no harm White ; White good to Indian ;
go to our Chief ; come to Beaver.' Few were the words of the^In-
dian. They went with him to Beaver's cabin, and Beaver, with
the humanity that distinguished the Indian of that period, gave to
the emigrants his wigwam. The next day he introduced them to
(i). The following is the allotment of Madame Ferree's estate by the Propri-
etors (see Penna. Archives, Vol. XIX p. 529) :
*'Sept. 10, 17 12.
" The late commissioners having granted ten thousand acres of land to the
Palatines by their warrant dated October 10, 17 10, in pursuance thereof there was
laid out to Martin Kindig (besides the two thousand acres already confirmed to him
and paid for) the like quantity of two thousand acres towards the Susquehanna, of
which the Surveyor General has made a return. The said Martin now appearing
desires that the said land may be granted and confirmed by patent to Maria
Warenbur, widow, for whom the vSame was taken up or intended, and who is to pay
the consideration for it. But, upon further consideration of the matter, it is agreed
among themselves that the said lands shall be confirmed to Daniel Fierre and Isaac
Lefever, two of the said widow's sons, and the consideration money, viz : 140
pounds at 7 pounds per hundred, by agreement having been for some time due
but is now to be paid down in one sum, tis agreed that they shall pay only 10
pounds for interest— that is 150 pounds in the whole."
The Archives show many subsequent grants to various members of the family
indicating a degree of prosperity in marked contrast with their former impover-
ished condition.
(2). SeeRupp's History of Dauphin Co., p. 37.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF tHB HUGUENOTS. 105
Tawana, (i) who lived on the great flats of Pequea and was a
Chief of a branch of the Conestoga Indians who at that time occu-
pied this region.
The friendship formed between the Red Men of the forest
with the Huguenots upon their arrival was maintained for many
years, each race giving the other assistance in time of need.*'
Death of Madame Ferree.
Not long after her arrival in Pequea Madame Ferree vested in
the care of trustees a plot of ground as a burial place for the set-
tlement. This place, now known as Carpenter's Graveyard, is sit-
uated near Paradise. Here this noble woman, who had drank so
deeply from the cup of misfortune, found a peaceful grave in 1716.
She had accomplished her purpose to establish a new home for her
posterity, many of whom are slumbering by her side. Her influ-
ence still lives in the great multitude of her descendants who belong
to the aristocracy of personal worth. Her descendants, including
of course, the LeFevers, are thousands in number and are to be
found in many States of the Union.
The Family.
Daniel Ferree (1677-1750), eldest son of the Madame, had,
besides his sons Andrew (1701-1739), and John (1703-1773), who
were born in Europe, a son named Daniel, Jr, (d. 176^), who was
married in 1739 to Mary Carpenter, whose father, Henry Carpen-
ter, was one of the earliest and most prominent Swiss emigrants in
the Province. John Ferree, the second son of the Madame, be-
came a Quaker, as also most of his descendants after him.
Philip Ferree (1687-17 5 3), the third son of the Madame, was
married during their sojourn at Esopus to Leah Dubois, the daugh-
ter of Abraham Dubois, whose father Louis was the founder of
New Platz in 1660. Soon after his marriage, which was about
171 1, he came to Pequea and settled on a part of the Ferree grant.
Upon his arrival he constructed a temporary habitation of forked
poles, bark roof, etc. In this queer house their first child was born.
Philip and Leah Ferree had eight children as follows: Abraham
(d. \TJ^), Isaac {A. \J%2), Jacob, Philip, Joel, and daughters Z^;^^,
married to William Buffington, Leah, married to Peter Baker, and
Elisabeth, married to Isaac Ferree, her cousin. Abraham, the
eldest son of Philip Ferree, the emigrant, was married about 1736
to a Miss Eltinge, of Esopus, N. Y. Their children were Corne-
lius, who settled in Virginia, Israel, and a daughter Rebecca, who
married David Shreiver and removed to Frederick county, Maryland.
(i). Tawana is said to have been one of the signatories to the famous Penn
Treaty with the Indians at Philadelphia.
Hosted by GOO^^'
106 MEMORIAI^ OF THK HUGUKNOTS.
Eminent Descendants.
A very large number of Madame Ferree's decendants have at-
tained distinction in the various walks of life. The mere mention
of them would fill pages. Among them are great scholars, jurists,
ministers, statesmen, capitalists and soldiers. No other family in
America can show a grander record of service for the public good.
Prominent among the men of distinction was Colonel John Ferree,
who commanded the Tenth Pennsylvania Rifles in the New Jersey
campaig:n of the Revolution. Then also Colonel Joel Ferree, (i)
Commander of the First Battalion of Lancaster Associators, and
Major Michael Ferree and Lieutenant George Lefever. All these
served with distinction in the Revolution, besides a host of others
as non-commissioned officers and privates. Joseph Ferree, also a
grandson of the Madame, was prominent in Colonial affairs. He
was a member of the Assembly for Lancaster county 1 771-1773,
and a member of the County Committee in 1774 to consider the
general dissatisfaction against the British Government.
In the War of 1812 the family was again prominent. Among
others was Colonel Joel Ferree (i 771-18 13), of Allegheny county,
who died at Zanesville, Ohio, while in active service. Also Colonel
Daniel Lefever (1788-185 5), son of Lieutenant George Lefever, of
Newville, Pa.
In the Civil War a very large number of descendants were con-
spicuous, but we pass them all by but one, whose high military tal-
ents and glorious achievements has not only shed a lustre on his
Huguenot ancestry but covered his memory with an undying glory.
This was Major General John F, Reynolds, (2) Commander of the
First Army Corps, and who commanded the left wing of the Union
army. His great achievement at Gettysburg, where he held for
many hours at bay with his single corps the entire army of the in-
vaders, and the sacrifice of his gallant life in that mighty struggle,
constitutes one of the most interesting episodes in our national
history.
Another Hne of Madame Ferree's descendants who have made
a most honorable record is the Schreiver family of Maryland. As
already stated, David and Rebecca Ferree Schreiver removed from
Pennsylvania to Frederick, Maryland. Their family was a noted
one. Among the sons was Abraham (1771-1848), for many years
(i). Colonel Joel Ferree, of lyyken's Valley, was killed by the Indians in 1801
in Allegheny county while visiting relatives there.
(2). Major General John F. Reynolds, who fell at Gettysburg July i, 1863,
came from the Ferree-Ivefever line. He was born at lyancaster, Pa., 1820, and
graduated at West Poi^t 1841, served throughout the Mexican war, and was one
of the chief commanders in the Civil War at the time of his death.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAIvS OF THE HUGUENOTS. 107
the Judge of the Frederick county courts and whose high sense of
rectitude is still a cherished memory in Western Maryland.
Another distinguished member of this family is Admiral l^tn-
field Scott Schley, (/) the hero of Santiago, whose naval achieve-
ment in destroying the entire Spanish fleet is without a parallel in
modern times. Nothstanding the questionable attempts, prompted
by envy, to rob him of this crowning glory of American naval war-
fare, it is perhaps sufficient to say that the great mass of intelligent
readers who have no connection whatever with departmental regu-
lations supposed to govern the case, will never cease to regard him
as the true leader and hero of that engagement.
LeFevre, — As already noted, Isaac LeFevre married Catha-
rine, the daughter of Madame Ferree. The name LeFevre occurs
in many honorable connections in France. Jacques LeFevre, of
Meaux, was one of the first Reformers and died a martyr's death.
Francois Joseph LeFevre (1755-1820), Duke of Dantzic, one of the
great Napoleon's Marshals, was born in Alsace and was one of the
greatest soldiers of the past century.
The family (2) to which Isaac LeFevre belonged were scattered
at the Revocation and several lost their lives. It is quite probable
that he was connected with the LeFevers of Esopus, New York,
who emigrated thither long before the Revocation. In fact there is
a strong probability that Isaac LeFevre had been in America years
before his marriage and immigration with the Ferree family. He
was a man of great energy and ability as well as a scholar, as his
numerous notes and comments in his French Bible testify. He ac-
quired very rich and extensive estates in the Pequea Valley and at
his death owned over fifteen hundred acres of the choicest land.
The descendants of Isaac LeFevre have been an honor to their
Huguenot ancestry. Philip LeFevre (1710-1761), the second son
of the immigrant, was a noted manufacturer of tools and firearms.
One of the sons of Philip LeFevre was George LeFevre (1739-
(i). Admiral Schley derives his paternal ancestry from John Thomas Schley,
b. in the Palatinate 171 2, leader of a Colony to Maryland 1735, founded Frederick
1745, died 1790. His grandvSon, John Schley (i 771-1830), m. Mary Schreiver, b.
1773, daughter of David and Rebecca (Ferree) Schreiver. John and Mary (Schrei-
ver) Schley were the grandparents of the Admiral. It will thus be seen that his
descent from Madame Ferree and of I^ouis DuBois, the founder of New Paltz, N.
Y., is easily traced.
(2). In one of his bibles is a record of his brothers and sisters, but unfortu-
nately for posterity he failed to record the names of his parents. The record is as
follows : Judith, b. October 20, 1660 ; Philip, b. May i, 1664 ; Jacob, b. December
20, 1666 ; Isaac, b. March 26, 1669 ; Mary, born June 15, 1671 ; Susanna, b. Sep-
tember 12, 1672 ; Charles, b. October 24, 1680.
The children of Isaac and Catharine Ferree I^eFevre were : Abraham, b. April
9, 1706; Philip, b. March 16, 1710; Daniel, b. March 29, ^713; Mary, b. August
24, 1715 ; Esther, b. May 3 * muel, b. May 3, 1719.
#
HostetHDy LjOOQ-II
108 MKM0RIAI3 Olf THK HUOUKNOTS*
1820), who married Anna B., a daughter of Lawrence and grand-
daughter of the noted immigrant, Matthias Schliermacher (Slay-
maker). After serving as an officer in the Revolution George Le-
Fevre in 1780 removed to Newville, in Cumberland county, where
he established an honored posterity.
Daniel LeFevre (1788-1855), the youngest son of George Le-
Fevre, early in life removed to Crawford county, but died near De-
troit, in Michigan. He was a man of prominence and served as
a Colonel in the War of 181 2.
Among other notable descendants of the immigrant, Isaac Le-
Fevre, may be mentioned in this connection Major General John
F. Reynolds, of the Civil War, and Judge O. E. Lefever, of Den-
ver, Colorado.
CHAPTER XIIL
The Non-Resistant Denominations.
The Mennonites and Dunkards — Their Peaceful Character
— Persecutions and Martyrdoms — Their Dispersion —
Some Take Refuge in Alsace — The Palatinate Devas-
tated — They Seek a Home in the New World.
** Faith of our Fathers— living faith ^
In spite of dungeon^ fire and sword y
Oh ! how our hearts beat high with joy
When'er we hear that glorious word.
Faith of our Fathers— Holy faith^
We will be true to thee till death,' ^
kF'all the branches of the Christian Church having their origin
^ ) in the Reformation, there is none that has passed through
a more fiery ordeal than the Mennonites. (i) This body
of Christians was scattered over Central Europe, and through their
rigid faith and austere mode of life came in sharp conflict not only
(i). The Mennonites were not Huguenots in the proper sense of that term.
Their settlement in Alsace, however, which was annexed to France during their
sojourn there, made them French citizens, and in which relation many of them
came to Pennsylvania. This, we think, entitles them a place in these Memorials*
The Mennonite Church was founded by Menno Simon, a distinguished re-
former, who was born at Witmarsum, Friesland, in 1505. About 1538 he began to
organize his adherents into societies. After many years of truly apostolic labors
in many lands he died in 1561. In many respects he was far in advance of his age.
His views on war and non-resistance, religious toleration, education, and many
kindred subjects, are being absorbed hy advanced reformers of all Christian per-
suasions as never before and mark the lines of highest civil and religious effort at
the present day.
Hosted by
Google
Hosted by
Google
I
m
J)
m
m
m
< m
CD
-4
01
01
CO
z
Q
c
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI^ OF THE HUGUENOTS. 109
with Papists but in many instances with the Protestants. Their
opposition to war, physical resistance, civil courts and oath-taking
marked a wide divergence from the civil and political laws and
usages of the day, while their advocacy of complete religious tolera-
tion and education brought them in conflict with the narrow bigotry
of nearly all the established Churches. Their ministers and teach-
ers took no stated salary but, like the Apostles of old, traveled about
to preach and indoctrinate the people in the faith. There never
was a more devoted class of ministers in any other Protestant de-
nomination, and we have never read or heard of any of them ab-
juring their faith under the most dreadful torture ever inflicted on
man.
We will give, in this connection, a brief account of the suffer-
ings of a number whose descendants and kindred found a refuge in
Pennsylvania. Many hundred, perhaps thousands bearing the names
of the martyrs given are found in America still adhering to the faith
of their fathers.
The persecution of the Mennonites was especially severe in
Switzerland, the storm center being the city of Zurich. Here in
the cloister tower of the Othenbach great numbers were confined,
many of whom were starved to death or died of neglect, besides
those who suffered at the stake, block or gibbet. In i^2Z John
Sechler, and in 1529 Conrad Richer, of Staffsburg, suffered death.
^^ i^l^ Peter Kuster, (i) and in i^n Peter Stucke and Ulrich
Huber, of the north of Holland, were beheaded. At Amsterdam in
1529 George Bowman, of Wurtemberg, suffered. In 1538 Offrus
Grissiiiger, an eminent minister, was burned in the Tyrol. In 1536
Peter Ly decker and Peter Gerhart, teachers of Zurich, were be-
headed. In 1 538 Michael Widenian was burned. In 1 539 Lorentz
Eberly and Lorentz Rudolph Eisley, of- Gronau, were cast into
prison and subsequently suffered death.
In 1543 Christian Oberlin suffered. In i^^J Martin DeWall,
of Antwerp, was beheaded. In 1576 Matthew Binder, an eminent
minister of Wurtemburg, was arrested and taken to Stuttgart M/here
he defended himself before the civil and ecclesiastical courts with
great vigor and ability. He was thrown into the ** Hohen wilting-
schloss" with many other coreligionists. During their imprison-
ment the schloss (Castle) took fire. Binder and his fellow-prisoners
labored hard to extinguish the flames and did not take advantage of
the opportunity to escape, which was purposely afforded them. The
prisoners then petitioned the civil authorities for their release inas-
(i). The supposed ancestor of Major General George A. Custer (1840-1876), a
gallant officer of the Civil War, and who, with his entire command, was killed bj^
the Sioux Indians in Montana,
Hosted by
Google
110 MKMORIAI<S OF THK HUGUKNOTS.
much as they had done no wrong to the State and were not in-
dicted as criminals. Upon this the prison officials quickly pre-
sented their petition to the Prince who generously liberated them
ere the ecclesiastical authorities could interfere in the matter.
In 1614 John Landis, (/) an eminent minister who lived on
the Rhine, was arrested and dragged before a tribunal, and after a
mock trial was beheaded at Zurich. When he was about to suffer
martyrdom his wife and children came into his presence weeping
bitterly. This so touched his heart that he bade them withdraw in
order that he might show no sign of weakness when suffering for
**the faith once delivered to the saints. " Landis was a great light
in the Church and had traveled extensively in Alsace, Switzerland
and the Palatinate. Notwithstanding this calamity the family re-
mained true to the faith and in 1642 Felix Landis, a son of the
martyr, and also a minister, died of starvation in the Othenbach.
At the same time Varena Landis was terribly persecuted. Being
given her choice of the Othenbach or remaining a prisoner in her
own house because of her advanced age and enfeebled condition,
she choose the latter, and in 1643 died of starvation and neglect.
In this same year Mrs, Barbara Neff was imprisoned and
shamefully maltreated. A remarkable instance of courage was
shown in the case of a youth named Rudolph Sehner, of Gronnin-
gen, who was confined in the Othenbach over two years. He was
given his liberty on condition that he attend the Established Church.
This agreement he immediately regretted as being equivalent to an
abjuration of his faith. He was thereupon recommitted to prison
and perished of hunger in 1643.
The Bach^nan and Meylin families, so well and favorably known
in Pennsylvania, were dreadfully persecuted between 1638 and 1643.
Rudolph Bachman and John Meylin, with his two sons and daughters
Barbara and Elisabeth, were all thrown into the Othenbach from
which the women finally made their escape, but the men suffered
death. Martin Meylin, one of the sons of John, was an able min-
inster and had traveled extensively in Alsace and the Palatinate.
In i64o-'4i John Rudolph Bowman, with many others whose
names are lost, was cast into the Othenbach where he was confined
for sixty weeks, living mostly on bread and water. Finally he em-
braced an opportunity to escape only to find his family scattered
and his property confiscated.
Among the Othenbach prisoners at this time was aged Warner
Phiester, with his wife and daughter-in-law. The wife managed to
escape but the others perished with hunger.
(i). Ancestor of the I^andis immigrants to Lancaster county.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^ OF THK HUGUKNOTS. Ill
Jacob Egly, of Gronningen, a prominent minister and teacher,
suffered all the horrors of the Othenbach for seventy weeks before
he succumbed to hunger in 1639. In 1659 the following ministers
were imprisoned in Bern : Ulrich Baumgardner^ Anthony Him-
nielberg, legley Sckelbach, Ulrich Baumgardner (2d), Christian
Christianas^ Rhoda Peters dinAJohn Zug. (/) After being under
arrest for a period of twelve years they were liberated on the condi-
tion that they leave the country and not return without special per-
mission, they having rejected all former overtures as compromising
their faith.
The reader will have observed that the years from 1638 to
1643 were fruitful in Mennonite martyrdoms, and it is humiliating
to confess that Protestants as well as Catholics must be held re-
sponsible for the sacrifice of many inoffensive lives. In 1626 the
Mennonites were recognized as a Protestant denomination in Hol-
land which ended their active persecution in that country. The
authorities even went so far as to champion their cause, and in 1642
the Council of Amsterdam addressed a vigorous protest to the Coun-
cil of Zurich in Switzerland against their continued persecution
there. The protest, however, seems to have been unavailing, as in
1650 a special edict was issued against them at Schauffhausen which
was followed by another in 1653. (2)
It was during this period that the Mennonites determined to
migrate to America, their first intention being to form a settlement
in New York. In 1662 they addressed a petition to the authorities
of Amsterdam setting forth their purpose, but the disturbed rela-
tions between Holland and England at that time, and the surrender
of New York city to the English in 1664, made their plans in that
direction futile. (3)
About 1 67 1 (4) their situation becoming intolerable by perse-
cution a large number of them emigrated to Alsace, in the vicinity
(i). In 1727 Ulrich Zug, a grandson of the sufferer, came to Pennsylvania and
settled in I,ancaster county where he died in 1758. In 1742 three brothers — Moritz,
John and Christian Zug, also grandsons — arrived. In 1738 Christian and Jacob
Zug arrived. Their connection with the foregoing is not known. The connection
in America now numbers thousands of the best citizens to be found and most of
whom still clin^ to the faith of their fathers. Some became eminent Mennonite
and Dunkard ministers. Among those distinguished in the public service may be
mentioned Brigadier General Samuel K. Zook, who was born in Pennsylvania in
1823. In 1848 he removed to New York city and became a noted electrician and
made many valuable discoveries in electrical science. He organized and com-
manded the Fifty-seventh Regiment of New York Volunteers of the Civil War.
He was promoted for bravery in action in 1862 and fell mortally wounded at the
head of his brigade at Gettysburg July 2, 1863.
(2). Bracht's Hist, of the Mennonites, p. 1019-1023.
(3). Doc. Hist, of N. Y., Vol. II p. 176.
(4). Bracht, p. 1022.
Hosted by
Google
112 MKMORIAI3 OF THE HUGUENOTS.
of Strasbourg which, at that time, was an Imperial city and enjoyed
a full measure of religious liberty. Their repose in Alsace, how-
ever, was of brief duration as the Valley of the Rhine soon thereaf-
ter became the battlefield of the Orleans succession to the Palati-
nate (1686-97). During these years of turmoil the Rnine Valley
run red with the blood of the Huguenots, Mennonites and Palatines.
Death and destruction marked the advance of Count Turenne's
army, (i) During these years of dire calamity both Alsace and
Lorraine fell a prey to French aggression and were annexed to that
realm. Scarcely had the Peace of Ryswick (1697) cleared away
the smoke of battle when the long and bloody war of the Spanish
Succession broke out (1700-1713) and the Palatinate again became
the arena of conflict for the great armies of Continental Europe.
It was amid such dark and bloody days as these that our
Huguenot, Mennonite and Palatine ancestors, while witnessing the
destruction of their homes, the slaughter of their kindred and the
subversion of their faith, looked with longing vision across the At-
lantic to the fertile valleys of Pennsylvania as a possible place of
refuge. The hands on the dial of Providence indicated that the
hour of their deliverance had arrived.
In 1683 a large number of Mennonites, under encouragement
from William Penn, emigrated from Creyfels, in the Duchy of
Cleves, to Pennsylvania and founded Germantown, which place
soon became the objective point of hundreds of refugees.
The withdrawal of the Allied army under the Duke of Marl-
borough from the Palatinate after the battle of Blenheim in 1704
seems to have precipitated a crisis for the Protestants of this region.
In 1703 the Mennonites of Bern, in Switzerland, sent Louis
Mitchelle, an expert in mining and agriculture, to America with a
view of locating suitable lands for them. (2). After some years of
exploration he returned to Europe to render a report of his work.
In 1708, in company with the eminent Swiss nobleman, Christopher
DeGrafienreid, he again came to America to consummate final ar-
rangements, which resulted in the founding of the Swiss Colony at
Newburn, in North Carolina, in 1709. (3)
About 1707 (4) a number of Mennonites proceeded to London
to confer with Penn in regard to locating a Colony in his Province.
The result of the visit was so satisfactory that a number of them
set out as soon as possible for Pennsylvania. A selection of lands
(i). About 2000 towns and villages were sacked and mostly destroyed. Nearly
an the large cities, such as Heidelberg, Manheim and Speir, were left in ruins.
(2). Col. Records, Vol. II p. 420. Rupp's Lane. County, pp. 55-58.
(3). Rupp's lyanc. County, pp. 70-71.
(4). Rupp's I,anc. County, p. 74.
Hosted by
Google
MSMORIAW OF THE HUGUENOTS. 113
was made and a settlement effected in the Pequea Valley in Lan-
caster county in 1709. (i) They received a warrant for the sur-
vey of their lands, which embraced ten thousand acres, on August
10, 1 710. (2) Of this tract two thousand acres were expressly
reserved for Madame Ferree and her family. (3) The leaders of
this movement were Martin Kendigy John Meylen and John Herr^
the latter an aged and highly respected minister. These men, with
the following, were the pioneers : John Rudolf Bundley, Jacob Mil-
ler^ John Funky Wendell Bowman, Martin and Ulrich Oberholtzer,
After they were comfortably located a council was held to select
one of their number to return to Europe and superintend the remo-
val of many to the new settlement. In conformity with their cus-
tom they cast lots, with the result that their minister, John Herr,
was selected for the arduous task. Owing to his advanced age and
the reluctance of the Colony to part with their pastor for such an
uncertain undertaking, Martin Kindig volunteered to take his place.
(4). Kindig set out for Europe at once with the result that he re-
turned with a considerable number of Colonists in 1712. He evi-
dently brought over another party in 1727. (5)
The Colony continued to develop in numbers and in material
prosperity so that long before the close of the Provincial period they
had established a great number of societies in many parts of the
Province. They have now, through a beneficent Providence, mul-
tiplied into a mighty host. America has no more pious, law-abid-
ing and thrifty citizens than the Mennonites, and they have by their
consummate skill as tillers of the soil made Lancaster county their
first asylum in the New World the richest agricultural county in
America. (6) The township in which they located was called
Strasburg, in honor of the city from which many of the Colony had
come.
The Baptist Brethren.
Like the Mennonites the Baptist Brethren, or Dunkards, as
they are most familiarly known, are also a non-resistant people and,
like them, passed through the fires of persecution ere they estab-
lished themselves in Pennsylvania. Among the refugees were a
number of leading families with Huguenot antecedents.
In 1682 Ulrich Urner fled from Canton Uri in Switzerland to
Alsace, France, for greater security. In 170^ he came to Penn-
(i). Colonial Records, Vol. Ill p. 397.
(2). Warrant Book, p. 229.
(3). Penna. Archives, Vol. XIX p. 529.
(4). Rupp's lyanc. County, p. 81.
(5). Penna. Arch., Vol. XVII p. 10.
(6). See U. S. statistics for 1890.
Hosted by
Google
114 MEMORIA.I.S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
sylvania and settled in Coventry, Lancaster county. His son Mar-
tin, born in Alsace 1695, and died in Pennsylvania 1755, became
one of the early and prominent ministers of the Brethren Church in
America. He was ordained as an elder by Alexander Mack, the
founder, immediately after the latter's arrival in 1729, and suc-
ceeded him as the senior of that denomination upon his death.
Abraham DuBois (1679- 1748) was born of Huguenot parent-
age at Epstein. He identified himself with the Brethren in 171 2,
and in 17 15 became a minister and assistant of Alexander Mack,
the founder, and with him suffered great persecution in Europe. In
1732 he came to Pennsylvania where he entered upon ministerial
labors, which continued until his death. He was a delegate to the
Union Synod of 1742.
Royer, — The Royer family (also written Reyer and Rier) has
ever been a prominent one in France and many noted men of this
name occur. The family was mostly seated in the northern part,
especially in the vicinity of Metz, from whence a number retired to
the Palatinate in consequence of the Revocation. One branch was
numbered with the nobility. A nobleman xi^va^A Jacques Royer, a
prominent Protestant, suffered the loss of his estates in the persecu-
tions prior to the Revocation. An association in America by the
descendants of the early Royer emigrants to Pennsylvania was formed
in 1897 for the recovery of the confiscated estates of that noble-
man, whom they claim as their ancestor. Several families of this
name fled from Tours at the Revocation and came with the Hugue-
not Colony to South Carolina.
Sebastian Royer, who was born near the city of Metz, retired
to the Palatinate about the Revocation period, and in 1718 came to
Pennsylvania and settled in Lancaster county. He was a promi-
nent member of the Baptist Brethren and his numerous descend-
ants have mostly adhered to that faith. Many have been eminent
as ministers and teachers.
In \T2^ John Jacob Royer, another prominent member of the
Brethren Church, arrived and located near Lititz in the same county.
Another branch emanate from John Michael Royer, (i) who ar-
rived in 1732 and located in Upper Salford, Montgomery county.
The family Lasche (Laschett) was scattered by the persecu-
tions of the Revocation period. One branch found shelter in a
secluded place in Italy, and from thence they removed to Saxony,
Prussia and Switzerland. A branch of this family came to America
(i). He was the son of John Michael and Catharine Royer, and was born 1686
in Swabach in the Palatinate. He was thrice married and the father of twenty-
four children and the progenitor of a great posterity. See '* The Perkiomen Re-
gion," Vol. I.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAi;S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 115
in 1854 and located in Wisconsin. In 1736 arrived John Jacob
(Van) Laschet, who was then 50 years of age, and his sons John
Peter and Christian, aged 25 and 18 years respectively. This branch
had located at Crefels, in the Duchy of Cleves, where it became
identified with the Brethren, and of which society they became
prominent members, several being ministers. The immigrant lo-
cated in Earl township, Lancaster county, where he died prior to
1754. (1) He was a delegate to the famous Union Synod held at
Germantown in 1742. The family was established at Germantown
and on the Conewago in York county, and also at Am well, N. J.,
at an early day.
In 1738 arrived John Wendel Laschet, whose relation to the
foregoing family is not known.
Ephrata.
The famous Seventh Day Baptist Community, founded in 1725
at Ephrata by Conrad Beissel and composed of Sabbatarian and
Pietistic refugees of various nationalities, had also among its mem-
bers some of Huguenot antecedents. (2) Among the number was
Conrad Dubois, who arrived in 1728 and whose wife died at the
Cloister in 1737. The name does not subsequently occur on the
records of the Community. In 1757 the will of Conrad Dubois,
presumably the same individual, was probated at Reading.
In the diary of the Community reference is made to another
French member under the church name of '' Jonadab,'' whose wife
and daughter died in 1740. No clew is given as to their identity
although it is expressly stated that the family were Huguenots.
For many years the dominant spirits of the Ephrata Commu-
nit}^ were the Eckerline brothers, under whose skillful management
the society was brought up to a high state of material prosperity, and
their expulsion in 1745 because of their progressiveness marks the
beginning of the Community's decline.
These men, so celebrated in the history of the Community,
were the sons of Michael Eckerline, a substantial citizen of Stras-
bourg, in Alsace, then a part of France. About 1700 he became
identified with a Pietist movement in his city and which was imme-
diately interdicted by the authorities. Because of this persecution
he withdrew to Schwartzenau where he identified himself with the
movement which resulted in the organization of the German Baptist
(i). In a patent granted to his son Christian in 1754 for land taken up by his
father, John Jacob Lasche, it is stated that the father had died before he received
a patent for said land.
(2). For a full account of the Ephrata and kindred societies see ' * The Ger-
man Sectarians of Pennsylvania," 2 vols., by Julius F. Sachse.
Hosted by
Google
116 MEMORIAI^ OF THE HUGUKNO'rS.
Society (Dunkard) under Alexander Mack, and which subsequently
came to Pennsylvania. Michael Eckerline died at Schwartzenau at
a time when the adherents of his faith were preparing to seek free-
dom from persecution by a general exodus to the Western World.
In 1725 the widow, then quite aged, and her sons Israel, Sam-
uel, Emanuel and Gabriel, emigrated to Pennsylvania and located
in the vicinity of Germantown among the members of their faith.
In 1727 Israel, the oldest of the brothers, joined the Ephrata Com-
munity, which was then in its infancy. He was soon joined by his
mother and brothers, and the family contributed the major share of
the talent, energy and business tact which made the Ephrata Col-
ony one of the wonders of America. Israel, under the spiritual
name of OnesimuSy became the Prior of the institution, while his
brothers also held important positions and wielded a great influence.
Samuel was a physician of no mean ability. It would seem that
their great talents and business qualities which they freely exercised
to the great enrichment of the Community provoked the jealousy of
the Founder and his friends with the result that they were excluded,
as already stated. The brothers, upon their exclusion, in company
with several associates, journeyed to the wilds of Virginia where
they once more established themselves on the Community plan.
Their enterprise, however, failed. Some time after 1750 the three
brothers — Israel, Samuel and Gabriel — located on the Monongahala
river, in now West Virginia, where their settlement was destroyed
by the French in 1757 and Israel and Gabriel were carried captives
to Canada and from thence to France, where they died. Samuel
fortunately was absent at the time of the incursion and escaped the
fate of his brothers. He died in 1781.
Early Mennonite and Hus:uenot Settlers.
The following list, nearly all heads of families, embraces only
such as arrived prior to 171 8 in Lancaster county: Bare (i) Ja-
cob, Sr. (died 1736), Jacob, Jr., Henry and John; Baumgardner,
Peter ; Boyer, Samuel ; Brand, Adam ; Brubaker, John^; Bee km,
Jacob ; Brenneman, Melchoir, Adam, Christopher and Christian ;
Biere, Jacob ; Bowman, Michael and John Wendell ; V>urkholder,
John, Sr., John, Jr. and Abraham; Christopher, Carl; Dondore,
Michael ; Erisman, Melchoir ; Eby, Theodorus, Peter and John ;
Eshelman, Daniel ; Faber, John ; Frederick, John ; Ferree, {2)
John, Daniel and Philip ; Funk, John Jacob, and Henry ; Francis-
(i). Originally *' Barree^^ Huguenots.
(2). Sons of Madame Ferree, which see.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THK HUGURNOTS. 117
cus, (/) Christopher ; Graff y Hans (2) and Martin ; Guth (Good),
John and Jacob ; Harnish, Martin ; Herskey, Christian ; Herr,
Hans and Abraham ; Hess, John ; Hermau, Christian ; Hoover y
Ulrich ; Hostetter, Jacob ; Houser, Christiipin and Ulrich ; Hufford,
Melchoir ; Hubert, Hubertson (1709); Kaigy, Hans; Kauffman,
John, Andrew and Jacob ; Kcenig (King), Simon ; Krider, John
Jacob ; Kindig, Martin, George ; Kreitser, Jacob ; Larue, Jonas,
(j) ; Lefever, (J) Isaac ; Leamon, ( 5) Peter ; Landis, FeHx ; Le-
Bo, John ; Lander t, Sigismund ; Line, John ; Lochman, Casper ;
Lighte (Light), John and John Jacob ; Meylin, Martin and John ;
Mire (Mier, Moyer), Michael, Jacob, Rudy, Abraham and John ;
Miller, Jacob, Sr. , Jacob, Jr. and Martin; Musselman, Henry;
Neff, ({5) Francis, Sr., Francis, Jr., John Henry, Sr., John Henry,
Jr., and Henry ; Nissley, Jacob ; Newcomer, Peter ; Oberholtzer,
Martin and Ulrick ; Peelman, Christian ; Ream, Eberhart ; Royer,
Sebastian ; Rudy, Ulrich ; Shank, John and Michael ; Sower (7)
Christopher ; Steinman, Christian and Joseph ; Shultz, Andrew ;
Schliermacher (8) (Slaymaker), Mathias ; Steiner, Christian ;
(i). A noted Swiss patriot who had taken refuge in Alsace. He came to Pe-
quea in 1710.
(2). Born of distinguished parentage in Switzerland 1661. Fled as a Menno-
nite to Alsace where he bore the title of Baron Von Weldon. About i695-'96, ac-
companied by his brother, he came to Germantown. He was one of the first set-
tlers of I^ancaster county, locating at '* Graff's Thai" (Rupp's I^anc. County, p.
133). He was a wealthy and important personage, Karl township being named in
his honor (Col. Rec, Vol. Ill pp. 420, 673). He founded a great posterity. He
was the grandfather of Sebastian and Andrew Groff , noted Revolutionary patriots.
Sebastian Groff (3d), born in Earl township, I^ancaster county, about 1750;
delegate to the Provincial Convention 1775 ; delegate to the Federal Constitution
Ratification Convention 1787; State Constitutional Convention 1787: State Sena-
tor 1790 ; died 1792. His brother Andrew was also a man of prominence and mem-
ber of the Provincial Assembly 1776 and treasurer of I^ancaster count}^ many years.
(3). A Huguenot and associate of the Ferrees.
(4). Son-in-law to Madame Ferree.
(5). Originally ^* Lemottt^^ (Rupp's Lane. County, p. 516).
(6). Francis and Dr. John Henry Neff belonged to an eminent Swiss Menno-
nite family, some of whom perished for their faith. They fled to Alsace where
they resided before coming to America. Dr. Neff was the first regular physician
in lyancaster county (Rupp, p. 125).
(7). The famous German printer who located in Germantown and where in
1743 he printed the first Bible in America in a European language.
(8). Emanated from a notable family and for some time seated at vStrasbourg,
in Alsace, owing to persecution. He came to PenUvSylvania in 17 16. Henry Slay-
maker, son of Mathias, was born in Strasburg, I^ancaster county, 1730 ; a Captain
in active service 1776 ; member of Constitutional Convention 1776 ; a Justice ;
succeeded Judge Hubley as Judge of the Courts 1784 ; died 1785. His son Amos,
b. 1755, was a Captain in the Revolution, member of Congress 1811-1814, and later
a member of Penna. vSenate. He held many important offices and died in 1840.
Hosted by
Google
118 M15M0RIAI.S OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
Schnebly, John Jacob, Sr. and John Jacob, Jr. ; Stoyy Frederick ;
Swope, John ; Stoinpker, John ; Weaver (Webber), Jacob, Henry,
John and George ; Wenerick, Benedictus ; Witmer^ Benedictus ;
VVoolslegel, John ; Zimmerman (/) (Carpenter), Henry, Emanuel
and Gabriel.
CHAPTER XIV.
The Tulpchocken — Swatara Lebanon.
The Overland Journey From Schoharie — Settlement of the
TULPEHOCKEN VaLLEY — LEBANON — DaUPHIN — DISTINGUISHED
Families of Huguenot Descent.
•1
** They were men of present valor,
Stalwart old iconoclasts ^
Unconvinced by axe or gibbet
That all virtue was the past.
But we make their truth our falsehood
Thinking that has made usfreCy
Hoarding it in mouldy parchments y
While our tender spirits flee^
The rude grasp of that impulse
Which drew them across the sea, ' '
— Lowell.
O't HE beautiful and fertile Valley of the Tulpehocken is ten or
more miles north of Reading, in Berks county, Pennsylvania.
It is watered by the Swatara and Tulpehocken Creek, and
anciently embraced far more than the present township of that
name. Its first settlers were Palatines, who came overland from
Schoharie, in New York, in 1723 and 1727, and among whom was
the celebrated Conrad Weiser. These Palatines had emigrated to
England at the invitation of Queen Ann owing to the devastation of
the Palatinate by the French. Many thousands of them arrived in
London prior to 1709 in a deplorable condition. In 1709 about
three thousand of them were sent to New York at the expense of
the Government. They wintered at Livingston Manor in 17 10 (2)
and eventually a large number of them came to Pennsylvania (Chap.
V). Among these refugees were many Huguenots whose names
reappear in this work.
(i). Henry Zimmerman, a Swiss, first came in 1698. Returned to Burope
and brought over his family in 1706 (Rupp, p. 126). Many of his descendants be-
came prominent men.
(2). For list see ** Rupp's 30,000 names of Emigrants*'— Appendix.
Hosted by
Google
o.
o.
^
3
C^
c
O
w
c
^
O
6d
X.
•^
O
S
Q.
CQ
^^
CO
•
%
^
u
<
CL
Hosted by
Hosted by
Google
MEMORlAtS Olf THE HUGUlCNOTS* 119
Sellaire, — Among the Huguenot exiles were several branches of
the ancient Sellaire or Cellier family of France. The name is
met with among the refugees to England and America prior to the
Revocation, and even in far away Cape Colony where a descend-
ant, General Cellier, became famous as a Boer leader in the Trans-
vaal war. One branch retired to the Palatinate about the period of
the Revocation. Of this family v^^s Jean Henri Sellaire who, with
his family, followed the great exodus of Palatines to London in
1708. In 1709 he came to New York with the Palatines, where his
name and that of his son John as '^ Zeller'' appears among the
settlers of Livingston Manor in 1710. About 1727 he came over-
land through the trackless wilderness to Tulpehocken, locating near
the present town of Sheridan, where he established a considerable
estate and where he died at a very advanced age in 1756. (i) His
house, a massive stone edifice, erected with a view to protect the
family and neighbors in case of attack by the Indians, is still standing.
Pontius. — In i^^^ John Pontius arrived and located in Tulpe-
hocken. He was born in Alsace in 171 8. In 1743 he married
Anna Catharine, a daughter of John tellers, already referred to.
He had a considerable family and his sons were great pioneers. (2)
Several were among the first settlers in Buffalo Valley in (now)
Union county, and many of the next generation were of the first
in Ohio and Illinois.
Aurand, — Among the Huguenot refugees to the Palatinate was
a branch of the Aurand family, and of which was Henry Aurand
and his wife Anna Catharine. After a sojourn of some years in
Holland they settled near Heidelberg where most of their children
were born. In 1753 John Aurand (1725-1807), a son of the fore-
going, came to America and located in Berks county where he mar-
ried Mary, a daughter of John Pontius. In 1772 he removed to
(now) Union county. His son Dietrich (1760-1841) was a soldier
of the Revolution and for many years a noted minister of the Re-
formed Church. (3)
Bashore (Le Baiseur), — This family, so numerous and so
widely scattered throughout America, is of eminent Huguenot ori-
gin. The name, according to Prof. I. D. Rupp (himself a descend-
ant), is a corruption of Le Baiseur, Several of this name are found
(i). He was survived by his wife, Anna Maria, and children John George, his
chiei heir, John Henry, John David, Martin, John, Anna Mary Saltzgiver, Barba-
ralis Lerew, Catharine Pontius and Ann Elisabeth Battorf.
(2). The sons were John Henry, b. 1744; John Peter, b. 1747 ; John, b. 1751 ;
Andrew Michael, George and Frederick.
(3). See ** Fathers of the Reformed Church." The children of the emigrant
were Henry, Peter, Jacob, Daniel, Dietrich, George, KHsabeth Zeller and Mary
Reem, all of whom became heads of families.
Hosted by
Google
120 MKMORIAI.S Olf TH^ HUGUENOTS.
among the refugees to foreign lands. Jacques Le Baiseur fled to
England in 1614. Another of this name was a member of the
Huguenot Church of New York prior to 1700. John Le Baiseur
was married in Philadelphia in 1789 (Pa. Arch. Vol. IX).
Several heads of families of this name located in Pennsylvania.
They were in all probability brothers. In 1735 we find Jacob
Bashore with a family in Earl, Lancaster county. He died in 1779.
Baltzer Bashore, who died in 1791, was a resident in the same lo-
cality in 1739. George Bashore located in Bethel township, in
Berks county, prior to 1738. From the latter immigrant sprang
many men of eminence, among them the late Prof. I. D. Rupp (i)
and Hon. Charles S. Wolf, of Lewisburg, an able statesman and
a leader in the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Bennechy (Bennage). — In northern Berks county also located the
Bennech family, a name noted in Huguenot history. Many of this
name were scattered by the persecutions to Switzerland, the Palati-
nate and England. Of the immigrants to America Simon Bennech
located in Heidelberg township in Berks county, where he died in
1757, leaving posterity. The family arrived in 1732, at which time
Simon was thirteen years of age. Inasmuch as the father's name
does not appear on the list with the family upon arrival it is proba-
ble that he died on the voyage to America.
Achey, — The Achey (Augey) family of America emanate from
the nobility of Normandy and the name occurs in many honorable
connections in French history. (2) A Knight of this name accom-
panied William the Conqueror in his expedition to England (A. D.
1066), while the noted Admiral, the Count DeAchey (1717-1775),
shed lustre on the family name in more recent years. The name
has suffered many variations, and it is worthy of note that the great
naturalist. Prof. Louis Agassiz (i 807-1 873), in a letter to Prof. S.
Aughey (of the Pennsylvania branch,) in 1872, claimed kinship with
the family under consideration. Several branches emigrated to
other countries in the early stages of the Huguenot persecutions.
Prof. I. Daniel Rupp.
(i). This distinguished scholar was born in Cumberland county, Pa., July 10,
1803, and died in Philadelphia May 31, 1878. Mr. Rupp had but very few scholas-
tic advantages, but by close and constant application he gained an immense fund of
knowledge, as is shown in the wide range of his productions. His published works
are over thirty in number, mostly of a historical character, and constitute a vast
mine of historical lore respecting the settlement of Pennsylvania and from which
later hivStorians have freely drawn. His chief works are his various county histo-
ries, seven volumes, 1844-47 : ''The Bloody Theatre, or Martyr's Mirror," 1048
pages, translated from the German; "He Pasa Eklesia," 1844; "A History of
Religious Denominations in America," and "A Collection of Thirty Thousand
Names of German, Swiss, Dutch and French Immigrants."
(2). For the several conferments of nobility on the Achey family see
DeMaigney's French Heraldry, pages 24 and 344,
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAtS O^ run HUOUBNOTS. 121
In 1558 Jacques DeAuchy, a merchant of Leuwaarden in Holland
who had embraced the doctrines of the Mennonites, was apprehended
by the authorities. His able defense of his life and doctrine shows
him to have been an extraordinary man. After a year's imprison-
ment he suffered a martyr's death in 1559.
The immediate antecedents of the American branch is en-
shrouded in the gloom that followed the Revocation period, during
which time a Huguenot father suffered death for conscience sake*
The widow with her children and a brother effected their escape to
Switzerland, and from whence the sons removed to the Palatinate.
Upon the mother's death the sons came to Pennsylvania in 1752.
They were Jokn Ludwig, John Jacobs and Herman, Soon after
their arrival we find the brothers in the Tulpehocken region. John
Ludwig Achey acquired a considerable estate near Lingelstown,
where he died in 1792. His son Henry, b. 1759, was married to
Elisabeth Shuey, also of Huguenot ancestry. They were the an-
cestors of Prof. S. Aughey, the noted scientist of the State Univer-
sity of Nebraska.
The emigrant was proud of his noble ancestry and had his
coaches and furniture decorated with the Achey coat of arms.
LeBeau^ (Lebo. — This family, now so numerous throughout
the Union, was scattered at the Revocation, several branches re-
tiring to the Palatinate and Switzerland, from whence the
younger members emigrated to America. All the following
herewith given were heads of families : John Lebo was naturalized
in Lancaster county in 171 8. Another y<?/^;^ Lebo was located in
the present limits of Montgomery county as early as 1734. Peter
Lebo was located in Tulpehocken prior to 1738, and died advanced
in age in 1783. John Abraham Lebo lived on the Swatara, prior to
1742. John Lebo, in Alsace township, Berks county, prior to 1740,
and where he died in 1759 at an advanced age, leaving a large
family.
De Avier, — In 1732 arrived y^^^;^ De Avier who located in the
Tulpehocken. It is probable that he was a son of Lambertus
De Avier, whose father, a Huguenot minister, with his family suf-
fered death in 1680. Albertus, then a mere youth, made his escape
to Geneva, where he became a prominent member of the French
colony, and was noted for his remarkable visions of the final Judg-
ment, while in a trance. The narration of what De Avier seen and
heard as given by contemporary writers is truly wonderful, (i)
De LauXy (Laux). — This family is one of the most ancient and
honorable of France, and for many centuries seated in Angoumois
(i). Vide " Der Historic der Wiedergebohren."
Hosted by
Google
122 MKM0RIAI3 OF THE HUGUENOTS.
and Beam. The family was mainly Protestant and ranged itself
under the standard of the House of Navarre in the civil and relig-
ious struggles of the Huguenots.
At the Revocation several branches were compelled to flee to
the adjoining Protestant countries from whence a number came to
Pennsylvania. Of these John Jacob Laux was a member of the old
Tohicken church in Bucks county, Peter Laux locsited in Lancas-
ter county, 1738, both were ancestors to an honorable posterity.
From the latter comes the Hon. James B. Laux, of New York, a
noted historian and writer.
Dundore, — The Dundore family is seated in Alsace, from
whence several heads came to Pennsylvania. Nicholas Dundore
located in Lancaster county prior to 1718. In 1741 d^rviweA John
diVid Jacob Dundore, They are said to have been father and son. (i)
The former located at Atolhoe, at the base of the Blue mountains,
{2) and the latter in Bern. (3)
In Tulpehocken also located Gotfried Reidenour and Englehart
Flo7y, who came from Alsace. Also Nicholas Riehl, all prior to
1732. Jacob De Grenoble, who died in 1777 at an advanced age,
was located here later. In the vicinity of Lebanon located Isaac
Cushwa 'ds^d Jacob Mumma in 1731. Jacob Bonnet t, John De-
France, John Henry Marquett, Christian Dupee, diuA Jacob Lores h,
(now *'Larrish").
Shuey, Shuett, — This family fled to Switzerland at the Revo-
cation, and from whence the young:er members came to Pennsylva-
nia. Carl Valentine Nicholas Shuett located prior to 1734, in
Montgomery county. Daniel (4) and John Ludzvig Shuey about
this time located in the Swatara valley. From these a great and
honorable posterity has come.
Albert, — An Albert family fled to Deux Ponts at the Revocation,
of these zdiVne John Michael Albert to the Swatara prior to 1750,
when well advanced in years. His sons, John Michael Jr. , Peter,
and Francis, were then also heads of families. The latter who was
born in 17191 at Deux Pont, was cruelly murdered by the savages,
June 26th, 1756, leaving a family.
(i). Notes and Queries, Vol. I p. 2.
(2). Stover *s Record, p. 34.
(3). Jacob Dundore was married to Anna Maria Breclit, a daughter of Wen-
dell Brecht, and had children : John Christian, b. 1746 ; Maria Catharine, b. 1749 ;
Susanna, b. 1747; John, 1751-1853 ; John Jacob, 1756-1821 ; Michael, 1754; David]
1758 ; Catharine and Elisabeth.
(4). Daniel Shuey died 1777, leaving children : Ludwig, Peter, Elisabeth,
Daniel, John, Martin, Ann Margaret, Catharine and Barbara.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 123
The Kieffei' family of Lebanon county descended from Jacob
Kieffer, (i 717-1804), who came from Gersdorf, in Alsace, and lo-
cated near the Bindnagel Church, where he is buried.
The De Mass family are said to have been of patrician rank in
France, and from whence a branch fled to Holland in the earlier
stages of the Protestant persecutions. We have already noticed
the arrival of Captain John De Hass on the Delaware during the
Dutch occupation. In 1749 George Philip De Hass arrived and
settled near Lebanon. He was the father of General Philip De
Hass. (i)
Cochet, (Couche). — Several branches of this family came to
Pennsylvania, among them Isaac Cotichet, born in 1721 at Gros
Villers, in France, and who came to America in 1768 and located
in Lebanon. John Isaac, George Dietrich^ and Francis Couchet
who accompanied him were presumably his sons.
Leroux, (Lerew). — The name of this family is met with very
early and in many honorable connections. Probably the first arri-
val was Francis Laroux who fled from La Rochelle to the Hugue-
not colony on the Hudson, where he died in 1689. ^^ ^^is prob-
ably the ancestor of y^/^r^//^;^ Laroux, Sr., who was one of the
early settlers of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and perhaps also of
Abraham Laroux who died in York county in 1757, and likewise
of the pioneers of this name to the South, of whom the reader will
learn in another connection. Jonas Laroux, an associate of the
Ferrees, located near them prior to 17 19. He died in 1761, and
was the founder of the Lancaster county branch.
About 1 74 1 George Laroux located in (now) Lebanon county,
where he died very aged about 1 764. (2) He was the ancestor of
a very large posterity scattered over the United States.
(i). General John Philip DeHass was born in Holland in 1735 and came with
his father to America and located in Lebanon. He entered the military service of
the Province as an ensign iinder General Armstrong in the Kittanning expedition,
serving also under Colonels Burd and Bouquet in their expeditions against the
hOvStile Indians. He was promoted to the rank of Major in 1764. At the outbreak
of the Revolution he at once tendered his services to the Colonial Government
and was commissioned in 1776 Colonel of the First Pennsylvania Battalion and
participated in the Long Island campaign. In 1777 he was promoted by Congress
to the rank of Brigadier General and remained in the service throughout the war.
In 1779 he removed to Philadelphia where he died in 1786. His son, John Philip
DeHass, Jr., a Lieutenant in the Revolution, located on the military lands of his
father at Beech Creek, in Clinton county, and where he died in 1821. It is said
that General DeHass prided himvSelf in his noble ancestry and used a seal which
may enable Heraldists to connect his family. "Between two wings displayed a
stag springing and at the bottom of the shield a stag courant. " (See Penna. Mag.
of Hist. , Vol. II p. 347. See also list of Norman nobility in Appendix of this work).
(2). His family consisted oi Jonas, b. 1709, d. 1776, leaving a family ; George,
who d. 1770, leaving a family ; Isaac, d. prior to 1770, leaving a family ; Henry ;
Peter, who died prior to 1762, leaving a family.
Hosted by
Google
124 MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS*
Sallada, — The head of the Sallade family ifled at the Revocation
to Basil, in Switzerland, from whence five brothers, sons of the Refu-
gee, came to Pennsylvania. Jacob, located at Tohickon, in Bucks
county, another in Lancaster county. Nicholas Sallade located in
Bern township, Berks county, while i^r^^m^r/^ located in Wiconisco,
Dauphin county, where he died in 1770. His ^on John (1739-1827),
was an officer in the Revolution, and a man of great prominence in
the state. His wife, a daughter of George Eberhart, of Berks
county, had a remarkable experience. In 1755, when but eight
years of age, she was carried into captivity by the savages to the
Miami Country in Ohio. After many years of captivity she was
rescued by the expedition under CoL Henry Bouquet. Colonel
Simon Sallada, (i 785-1 854) a son of the foregoing, was likewise a
man of prominence and a member of the Legislature several terms.
Lingel. — The present thriving town of Lingelstown, at the base
of the Blue Mountain, was named in honor of Paul Lingel (1709-
1786). At the Revocation the head of the family retired to Swit-
zerland. Of this family several came to Pennsylvania. Jacob, who
located in Montgomery county, and Paul as above.
Leasure, — The Leasure family is both ancient and honorable,
and was originally seated in the province of Navarre. At the Re-
vocation a branch of this family was compelled to flee to Switzer-
land for safety, and from whence came Abraham Leasure, who
arrived in 1754, and located in upper Dauphin county, where the
family name is still extant. A son of the immigrant located in
Westmoreland county where his descendants became prominent,
notably General Daniel Leasure, a distinguished officer of the Civil
war.
Raiguel. — In 1754 Abraham Raiguel, of '^Erquel Terre de
Ranaltes," arrived and located in Lebanon county. He was a man
of prominence and social distinction, and at his death, in 1795, de-
vised his estates mostly to his brothers Jean and Pierre, and neph-
ews Frederick and Abraham Raiguel, all of whom were still in
France. The nephews, however, came to America and took pos-
session of their estates soon afterwards.
Beau Jacques, — An important immigrant to Lykens Valley was
Francis Charles Beau Jacques. The name is now known in its
English form of *< Jacobs." He located in 1768 at the present site
of Millersburg, and became a very extensive land owner, and erected
the first mill in the valley.
Jar ay. — Thejuray (Jury) family fled from France to Switzer-
land at the Revocation, where their son Abraham was born, and
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI,S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 125
who came to the Lykens Valley in 1754. Although well advanced
in years he with his son Samuel served in the war of the Revolu-
tion, (i)
In West Hanover, Dauphin county, died in 1748 James De
Amnandy (2) a name rendered famous in American history by the
distinguished services of the Marquis De Armand, the noted French
general, commander of ''De Armand's Legion" during the Revolu-
tion.
Among other immigrants with Huguanot antecedents who lo-
cated in the bounds of Dauphin county were Frederick Showa,
John Paul Seal^ John Seyzer^ Valentine and Peter Delabach, He7try
Lorang, originally ^^L Orange,'" Jacob Fontain^ David Sausser,
(De Saussier), Jean Pierre Moniit, from .Lorraine. The name is
now written ''Money," David Purviance^ and Jean Jacques Gros-
jean (Groshong).
CHAPTER XV.
Trans-Susquehanna*
Huguenot Settlers West of the Susquehanna River — The
CoNEWAGO Colony — Pittsburg — The Genevan Colony on
THE MoNONGAHALA RiVER — WESTERN MARYLAND — ThE ShEN-
ANDOAH Valley.
" Ever the Truth comes uppermost
And ever is Justice done,
For hum>anity sweeps onward
Where to-day the martyr stands.
For in front the cross stands ready
And the crackling faggots burn ;
While the hooting mob ^/yesterday
In silent awe returns.
To glean up the scattered ashes
Into History^ s golden urn,^'
"j N the present limits of York county a considerable number of
* I people with Huguenot antecedents located, and it is a noie-
^ worthy fact that the first mayor of York, the late Hon. D. K.
Noel, was a descendant of a Huguenot who fled from France to
Deux Fonts (Zweibrucken). His i^XheVy Jacob Noel, emigrated from
(i). He died in 1785 leaving children : Samuel, Abraham, Mary, Magdalene,
Margaret, Catharine, Susanna and Salome.
(2). James De Armand left a widow, Mary, and children John, Richard, Mar-
garet aud Sarah.
Hosted by
Google
126 MKMORIAtS OI' THK HUGUKNOfS.
Deux Fonts to Baltimore in 1795, and later located in York county,
Pennsylvania. He served in the war of 181 2, and was wounded in
the battle of North Point, from the effects of which he died.
Berrot. — At the Revocation a family named Bei'ott, (also Per-
rot), fled from France to Alsheim, in the Palatinate. Among their
children was Frantz Ludwig, born at Alsheim, in 1699, who came
to America in 1738. He was a prominent citizen and one of the
founders of the Moravian church in York. He died in 1778, leaving
several sons, who removed to North Carolina. His connection
with Hellbarth Berrot, who located in Berks, and Jacques Berrot,
of Lancaster county, has not been established.
About 17^0 John Daniel Dinkle (died 1755) and wife Ursula
arrived from the city of Strasburg, in Alsace, both of whom are said
to have been of patrician origin. Their descendants are numerous
and of the highest respectability.
John Haj/y of Alsace, and father of Colonel John Hay, of the
Revolution, (i) was also one of the first citizens of York.
DutilL — The Dutill i^voAy (also written Doutel), was greatly
scattered by the persecutions, as the name is met with in various
Huguenot colonies. Some younger members, perhaps brothers,
came to Pennsylvania in 1738. John Duttll v^di^ married by Rev.
George Michael Weis, in Montgomery county, prior to 1755.
Francis Dutill was long a resident in Lancaster county, but the
records of his estate is at Reading, dated 1766.
In 1737 Michael Doutel had a child baptized at Christ Church,
Philadelphia. In 1751, Michael Doutell, of Robinson, now in
Berks county, died, leaving a family.
Jacob Dutill was one of the first residents of York, and a man
of prominence. He died in 1777. He was the father of Daniel
Doutel, (1727-1828), and of Captain i[//tr>^^^/ /7^^/^/, (1732-1805),
an officer of the Revolution who had the honor of leading the first
company of Pennsylvania soldiers into the War of Independence. (2)
They left York for Washington's camp near Boston, July 1st, 1775.
Captain Doutel's grave may be seen in the rear of Christ Lutheran
church, in York.
In 1739 arrived y^^;^ Voturin, (now Woodring), who was born
at Helleringen, Loraine, in 171 1. He was one of the first Mora-
vians of York. At his death he was survived by six daughters and
(i). John Hay, Jr., b. in Alsace, France, 1733, d^^d in York, Pa., 1810, was
one of the leading men of the State. He was a justice for many years. A
member of the Provincial Assembly 1775, a member of the constitutional Conven-
vention 1776, was a colonel of a York county batallion in active service in the
Revolution and a member of Assembly 1 779-1 784.
(2). Rupp's History of Lancaster and York counties, p. 608-612.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI,S OF THK HUGUENOTS. 127
a son, John Voturin, Jr,y who removed to Graceham, Md., where
he died in 1779.
Joh7t Moreau, (now Morrow), and Peter Gasha, who died in
1778, were also early residents of York.
Elsewhere in the county of York, besides the Huguenot colony
from New Jersey, to be noticed presently, there were the following:
Christian Sangree, (originally St. Gris), located on Springetts-
bury Manor prior to 1738. In 1749 arrived y^/^;^ Ludwig Sengris
(Sangree), whose relation to the former is not known. In 1739 ar-
rived Abraham Chedron from Lorraine, and located near York.
He was the ancestor of the extensive Shetrone family. Andres
Bailley dinA John Barone both appear before 1747. Jean De Grange
prior to 1751. Abraham De Fleury, John Henry Lor ah, Abraham
LareWy Nicholas Darone, Croft Billet, Peter Delo, Barthel La
Gneau, Leonard Leer one, Daniel Renolle, Adam De Gomois (De
Goma), Michael Le Boob, all appear at an early date. Dietrich
Werley, who was born in Steinthal, in Alsace, in 1695, came to
America in 1736, and located west of York. His posterity is very
numerous. Antoine Bevenour, Thomas Petit, Jean La Mot he,
(La Mott), David Fournier and John Noel, came prior to 1750.
Nicholas Pierie arrived in 1727 and located on the Codorus
in 1736. Albert La Bott came in 1737. John Joho, Adam
Beidinger, the Bernitz and Boyer families arrived in York county
in 1738. The Rutisilia (now Rudisill) family, now so numerous
and widely scattered throughout the land, is said to be of Hugue-
not origin. Several heads of families came to Pennsylvania, as will
be seen in the general list. Philip Rutisilia was married at Con-
estoga in 1734. (i) Weirich Rutisilia, born in 1697, arrived in
1737, in the same vessel with John Adam Beidinger. He located
on the Codorus, east of Hanover, and was the ancestor of the York
county branch.
La Mo the, (La Mott). — The Lords De La Mot he ranked
among the highest of the French nobility. (2) Several branches
of the house embraced the Protestant faith and suffered great per-
secutions in consequence. One member. General De La Mothe
Fouquet, a distinguished officer of the French army, took refuge in
Prussia at the Revocation. Madame De La Mothe-Guion was a
noted devotional writer of the Reformation period, whose works
were translated into many languages.
In IT ^/\ Jean Henry De La Mothe (1705-1794), who was born
in Provence, France, arrived, and located near Hanover. Later
he removed to York, where he died. In early life he forsook his
(i). Stoever's Records p. 54, Ibid p. 17.
(2). See the Nobility of Normandy, Vol. I.
Hosted by
Google
128 MEMORIAI.S OF THK HUGUENOTS.
native land because of the persecutions, and traveled extensively
before coming to Pennsylvania. He was of a reserved disposition
and said but little concerning his distinguished ancestry.
During the first visit of the Count De LaFayette to the Conti-
nental Congress, then sitting in York, in 1777, a nobleman of his
staff, Captain Nicholas De La Mothe, visited him and claimed kin-
ship.
Barnitz. — The history of this family, both in France and
America, has been an honorable one. One branch is of noble rank
and has given many distinguished names to French history, (i)
The date of the arrival of the Bernitz family in Pennsylvania is un-
certain, as there is no record of them in the Archives. The earliest
appearance of the name is in the record of Rev. John Casper Stoe-
ver, of baptisms on the Conewago.
In May, 1738, John Leonard Bernitz, whom we take to have
been the head of the family, stood as baptismal sponsor, and several
times thereafter. In 1749, John George Carl, (2) and in 1741
Elias Daniel Barnitz appear as sponsors in the same locality. The
Barnitz family came from Alsace, and in our opinion arrived in
1737, in company with other Alsatians with whom we find their
names associated.
Of the foregoing, y6>//;^ George Barnitz was born in 1722, and
died in 1796. His monument may be seen in the rear of Christ
Lutheran Church, in York. His sons all became men of promi-
nence, and several took a conspicuous part in the Revolution.
Jacob was an officer in the war, and was severely wounded and
taken prisoner by the British at Fort Washington in 1776. He
became a man of great prominence and died in 1828. His son
Jacob was an eminent lawyer and a member of the Twenty-third
Congress.
Bei dinger, (Bittenger). — In 1736 arrived from Alsace John
Adam Beidinger, (3) aged 39, and Peter Beidinger, aged 34 years.
They were probably brothers. The former located near Abbots-
town, where he died in 1768. His son Nicholas (i 743-1 804) was
a man of prominence in Colonial days. In the Revolution he served
on the Committee of Safety, and also as a captain in Colonel
Swope's regiment of the famous * 'Flying Camp," that rendered such
valuable service in New York and New Jersey in lyye-jy.
(i). '•Science des Armoiries," p 346.
(2). The children of John George Carl Barnitz were Jacob, Daniel, John,
George associate Judge of York county, Michael, Susan Eichelberger and Barbara
Lauman.
(3). The children of the immigrant were Nicholas, Henry Michael, Peter,
Marillos, George, Adam, Christian, Frederick and Eve. The Hon. J. W. Bittenger,
Judge of the York county courts is a great grandson of Captain Nicholas Bittenger.
Hosted by
Google
M]eMORIAI,S OS THK HUGUENOTS. 129
Be Cessna. — Among the heroes of the Duke De Schomburg at
the battle of the Boyne, (1690) was a young Huguenot soldier, ]ean
De Cessna, who remained in Ireland after the forces of William,
Prince of Orange, were withdrawn. In 1718 he came to Pennsyl-
vania and located in Lancaster county, (i) Later he removed to
York county where he died in 1751. (2) Several of his sons located
in Shippensburg as early as 1751, and the later removed to Bed-
ford county, where the family became prominent. John De Cessna,
(17 1 8-1 800) of Bedford county, was one of the leading men of the
Province. He was a member of the Provincial Assembly and Con-
stitutional Convention of 1775, and a Colonel in the Revolution
war. His brother, Charles De Cessna, was likewise a Colonel in
in the war of Independence. The late Hon. John De Cessna, State
Senator and member of Congress, was a great grandson of Col.
John De Cessna. Another son of the immigrant was Stephen De
Cessna, who prior to 1750 was a resident of Cumberland county.
Piatt, Pyatt, — This family seated in Dauphiny, fled to Holland
at the Revocation period, and later came to New Jersey. The
name of the father is not known. Of the sons, Jchn Piatt was a
prominent citizen of Somerset county, New Jersey, of which he was
sheriff in 1732. He died in 1760, while on a visit to the Island of
St. Thomas, where he owned a sugar plantation. All his sons, five
in number, were soldiers in the Revolution, under the following
grades: John, b. 1739, a private ; Abraha^n, b. 1741, a quarter-
master ; William, b. 1745, a captain ; Daniel, b. 1745, a major,
?lx\A Jacob, b. 1747, a captain. The Piatt family were great pion-
eers. John, at the close of the Revolution removed to (now) Ly-
coming county, in Pennsylvania, where a township is named in his
honor. Abraham removed to (now) Centre county, and was Judge
of the Courts of Northumberland county in 1786. (3) He died in
1 79 1, and his family all removed to Ohio. Jacob Piatt, youngest
son of John the immigrant son, removed to Kentucky.
Jacob Piatt, evidently a second son of the immigrant, appears
in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, as an Indian trader at an early
day. Jacob Piatt, Jr, was a pioneer on the frontiers, and was dis-
possessed of his lands in Path Valley as an intruder in 1750.
Lischefs lists, — In 1742 arrived Rev. Jacob Lischey, a Morav-
ian minister, and who soon afterwards was married to a daughter
of John Stephen Benezette, of Philadelphia. Soon after his arrival
he became disaffected and assumed charge of several Reformed con-
gregations in York county. His baptismal record, lately recovered,
(i). See Pa. Mag. of Hist. Vol. III.
(2). Will at York, Pa.
(3). Pa. Arch. 2ndser. Ill, p. 760.
Hosted by
Google
130 MKMORIAI,S OK THE HUGUENOTS.
beautifully written, and most valuable in character, discloses a num-
ber of Huguenot names. In some instances the entries of French
people are made in the French language. The following are names
of parents with earliest entry of baptisms of children : (i)
Pierre Gerot 2.nAv^, Catharine, 1755, {sponsor, Jacques Ver-
dieux). The foregoing was probably Pierre Gerra, who is recorded
in the Archives as having arrived in 1746. Daniel Renolle, 1755 ;
John and Jacob Rudesilly, 1755 ; Jacob Bouchon, 1756 ; John
Chamblin, 1756; David Fourniery 1756.
(•'Dulommum et sa femme," sponsors).
The Conewago Colony.
On the head waters of the Conewago creek, in the eastern
limits of Adams county, a considerable number of Huguenots lo-
cated at an early day. Among these v^ere James Pettit, who had a
large plantation here soon after 1740, and died at a very advanced
age in 1770, leaving sons Thomas and James. Abraham Larue ,
who died in 1757, leaving a family. Adam De Gomis, (previously
noted), and who died here in 1772. John Noel prior to 1750, and
who died in 1766, very aged, and leaving a large posterity. Also
Daniel Renolle prior to 1751. None of the foregoing appear on the
lists as foreign emigrants, and it is therefore a fair presumption
that they came hither from an older colony. That this inference
is correct is born out by the fact that the Pettit and other families
named are found among the Huguenots who came to New York and
New Jersey. Soon after 1760 a large number of French and a few
Dutch families removed hither from Shrallenburg, in Bergen county.
New Jersey. Their settlement was confined to a locality now in
the townships of Straban and Berwick in Adams county. They
were rigid adherents of the Dutch Reformed faith, and built a
church on the Conewago about two miles east of the present village
of Hunterstown. About 1781 many of them concluded to attempt
another colonial experiment by securing a large body of land in
Shelby county, Kentucky. To this new centre over a hundred, of
all ages removed, before the close of the century. In 1793 another
colony of nine families left the Conewago settlement and located at
Owasco lake, in Cayuga county, in New York. To such an extent
was the Conewago colony reduced by removals and defections that
the maintenance of a distinctive congregation of their faith, (the
Dutch Reformed), became impractical and in 18 17 they petitioned
the Legislature for permission to sell their church, which was
granted.
(i). For the recovery of these names the author is indebted to Luther R.
Kelker, Esq., of Harrisburg, Pa.
Hosted by
Google
<
o
a:
Hi
<
UJ
>
UJ
z
z
LU
CD
LU
Q
LU
O
a:
o
LU
o
of
Q
LL
O
LU
CO
D
O
X
CO
-J
<
CO
LU
>
z
D
li.
O
LU 1^
O CD
<
I
H
OC
m
lU
I
Q
Z
<
Q
LU
H
O
LU
a:
LU
Hosted by
Google
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF the; HUGUENOTS. 131
In the absence of any records concerning this colony we must
rely on the land and mortuary records at York and elsewhere.
Among the colonists of French extraction not already noted were
the following: John Bodine, will probated in 1786. George Bro-
caw, who died in 1794, at an advanced age leaving sons, Peter y
George d^wA John. Peter Cosine, who died aged in 1779, leaving
sons Corneliits, Markivius and Peter-Cornelius Cosine who died in
1786 leaving a number of married children. Andri Ridett, who
died in 1776, and in his will mentions his brother, John Ridett.
Michcel Le Boob, who died in 1781. Peter Montfort, who died in
1769, quite aged, leaving sons Peter, Anay ^.ViA John, John Mont-
fort, who died in 1777, leaving sons Francis, Peter, John and
Laurence. Francis C assart, (i) George Laschelles^ Gerrett Demar-
est^ Samuel Durye and Abraham Lovine.
The Dutch colonists were Joris Brinkerhoff, (171 7-1 8 10),
father of a large family, and whose son George (i 761-18 13) was
for a time pastor of the church. Henry Banta, who had an unu-
sually large family, nearly all of whom removed to Kentucky.
Martin Nevius, who died in 1790, John Vanarsdalen, died 1772,
William Vanderbilt, died 1772, David Vandine, died 1795, losta
Shamp, and probably others who have not been identified.
Western Pennsylvania.
In the Western part of Pennsylvania a considerable number of
the early settlers were of Huguenot origin, many of whom, such as
the Bonnetts, Marchands, Leisures, De Cessnas and others, were
the descendants of emmigrants already noticed in previous chapters.
Among those not hitherto noticed, and who were identified with the
region under consideration were the following :
(i). Cassart, Cassatt. — Francis Cassart was born about 1713 in Bergen county,
New Jersey. His grandfather Jacques Cassart arrived in America as a refugee about
1657 with his family, (Baird's Hug. Km. to America, Vol. I, p. 183). Among others,
he had a son David, bap. June 18, 1671, d. 1740, m. 1696, Styntie Van Horn.
Of this union Francis was the seventh child. in 1760 he located at the
Indian Springs, six m. east of (now) Gettysburg, in Adams county. Pa., where he
died near 1795, and was buried in the graveyard of the '^Jersey'* colony. He was
a man of great prominence ; and took a notable part in the stirring events of
the Revolution period. In 1775 he was a member of the Committee of Corres-
pondence for York county. A member of the Provincial Assembly in 1776, and a
member of the convention that framed the first state constitution 1776. He had
three sons, Peter, who before the Revolution removed to Kentucky where he was
killed by the Indians. His descendants are numerous in the west. David b.
1743, and d. 1824. Jacob b. 1751, d. 1813. The two latter are buried in the
''Jersey" colonists graveyard where their tombstones may be seen. Many of the
descedants became prominent in various walks of life. David (1768-1824) son of
David, was an eminent lawyer of York, while Jacob, 1778-1838), also a son of the
latter died while a member of the legislature. Another son of David Cassart was
Dennis, the grandfather of Hon. A. J. Cassatt, of Philadelphia, the noted financier
and president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
Hosted by
Google
132 MEMORIAIvS OF THE HUGUENOT9.
In 1749 arrived Frederick Pershing, (i 724-1 792), of Alsace,
and located in Westmoreland county. He was the ancestor of the
distinguished jurist, Hon. Cyrus L. Pershing, of Pottsville, Pa. (i)
On the Monongahala river, in Fayette county, is situated the
town of New Geneva, founded by Albert Gallatin, and named by
him in honor of his native city, Geneva in Switzerland,
Induced by Albert Gallatin, several Genevan families, of Hu-
guenot antecedents, took up their residence in this region. Among
these was Charles Andre Mestrezat, who descended from the
Huguenot divine, Jean Mestrezat, (2) of Paris, and was a relative
of Albert Gallatin.
The emigrant was a son of Rev, Jacob Mestrezat, who was also
a minister of note. He was born in 1766, and came to Pennsylva-
nia in 1795, and was accidentally drowned in the Monongahela
river in 181 5. He was the grandfather of the noted jurist, Hon.
S. L. Mestrezat, of Uniontown, Pa.
Br2inot, Bruno, — Ever since the days of Saint Bruno, (3) the
founder of the Carthusian order of monks, at Grenoble, in A. D. 1086,
the name Bruno and Brunot has been an honorable one. Several
branches belong to the nobility, and the name is met with in many
high and important relations. The name was early introduced into
Pennsylvania. Felix Brunot d.xviweA in 1732 and located in Eas-
tern Pennsylvania. John Brunot was a resident of Philadelphia
prior to 1738.
The name became most honorably associated with Pittsburg
through a younger branch in the person of Dr, Felix Brunot, who
eminated from the nobility. Dr. Brunot was born at Morey, in
France, 1752. He is said to have been a foster brother to the
Count De Lafayette, and accompanied him to America as a mem-
ber of his medical stafl.
(i). Hon. C. Iv. Pershing was born in Westmoreland county. Entered the
legal profession and rose to eminent distinction. In 1772 he was elected a judge
of Schuylkill county, in which capacity he served with marked ability until 1898
when he was compelled to retire because of ill health. In 1875 he was the Demo-
cratic candidate for the governorship of Pennsylvania.
(2). This eminent divine was born in Geneva, 1591, and was educated at the
Huguenot College of St. Samur. He became the pastor of the famous Chare n ton
Temple at Paris, where he died in 1657. He was famous as a writer and as
an eloquent orator. Rev. Jacob Mestrezat wash, at Marseilles, France, in 1713.
He was ordained to the ministry in 1740, was chaplain of the Dutch pmbassy at
Paris, 1748-1750. Pastor at Amsterdam 1751-1752, and several othe/*places until
1777, when he retired because of failing health. He had one daughter and three
sons of whom the youngest, Charles Alexander came to Pennsylvania. The latter
had ten children, of whom Jean Louis Guillaume Mestrezat, was the father of
Judge S. Leslie Mestrezat of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
(3). St. Bruno was born at Cologne, A. D. 105 1, and died at Calabria, A. D.,
iioi. In 1089 Pope Urban who had been one of his pupils summoned him to
Rome. He was canonized in A. D. , 1628.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^ OF THE HUGUENOTS. 133
After the Revolution he became a Protestant and located in
Philadelphia, and in 1797 removed to Pittsburg, where he died in
1838. He had two sons, Hilary, born in 1795, and Felix, Jr,,
born in 1815. Both father and sons were intimately connected
with the public interests of the city. The latter especially will ever
be held in grateful remembrance for his philanthropic deeds.
Doctor Brunot was married in 1789 to Elisabeth Kreider,
whose mother, Susanna Pons Breton, was a daughter of Jacques
Pons, a Huguenot refugee to Offenbach, in the Palatinate, and
from whence the family emigrated to Pennsylvania.
There lived with the Brunot family in Pittsburg for many years,
Jea7i Marie, (b. in France, 1727, and still living in 1808), who
came as a young man to Pennsylvania because of persecution.
Dravo, — In 1789 there came to Western Pennsylvania with
the Marquis De Lusiere, a young man of distinguished family,
named Antoine Dreyvault, a name now changed to Dravo. He
was born in Paris, August i6th, 1767, and died in Pittsburg, Pa.,
October 16, 1851. Anthony Dravo was a Protestant, and promi-
nent as a Methodist. He erected a brick house, which was one of
the first and finest in Pittsburg, and where he dispensed a generous
hospitality. He entertained the Marquis De Lafayette during his
visit to America in 1725, and also Louis Phillippi, then an exile,
but later the King of France. Anthony Dravo was the founder of a
highly honorable posterity, (i)
Maryland.
Following the Palatines in their migration to Western Mary-
land and the Shenandoah Valley, of Virginia, we find a consider-
able number of early settlers of Huguenot ancestry among them.
The descendants of these people are among the most progressive
and intelligent citizens in the South, and take a just pride in their
ancestry. The initial settlements in Frederick county were made
on the Monocacy, east of Frederick City.
Among the first settlers v^diS Jean Henri Fortineaux, who ar-
rived in Philadelphia in 1727. His posterity now generally write
the name '' Fortny.'' The Dilaplain brothers, John, Joseph and
Joshua, came from Colebrookdale, in Berks county. Pa. The first
named prior to 1771. The family history is elsewhere given.
Joseph May hew Z'd.m^'^tiox \,o \Tl^, The Mayhew name appears
among the refugees to several Protestant countries. (2) Peter
Cushan came near 1750.
(i). Anthony Dravo had children— Pierre, Michael, William, John, Antoine,
Francois, Harriet and Margaret.
(2). Proc. I^ondon Hug. Soc. Vol. I.
Hosted by
Google
134 MKMORIAtS OF THK HUGUENOTS.
Jacob Buckey, who arrived at Philadelphia in 1743, and located
at Buckeystown, is an instance of how a name may be disguised
under a phonetic form. The original was Bouquet, and represents
a family despoiled by the persecutions and scattered to England,
where they appear among the refugees, and to Switzerland, from
whence came General Henry Bouquet, who, as a British officer,
rendered such valuable service to our colonies on the frontiers, (i)
In 1754 arrived Nicholas and Daftiel Haiter, brothers, who were
born at Dildendorf, in Lorraine, and were of the Huguenot faith.
They were both among the first residents of Frederick. Daniel
was born in 1733, and was the grandfather of the venerable Daniel
Hauer, D. D., (1803-1901), the oldest Lutheran minister in America.
On the Monocacy also located at an early day David Shreiver,
whose wife was a Ferree, a descendant of Madame Ferree, and
whose history is elsewhere given. They were the parents of Judge
Abraham Shreiver, (i 771- 1848), and. also the ancestor of the
distinguished Admiral Schley. (Chap. XH).
Other Huguenot names in Frederick county prior to 1780 were
Boyer, Brevett, Cavy, Cocke, Delatter, De La Course, Doupe, De
Laskmut, De Losier, De Bos, Duckett, De La Vincendie^^e, Dem-
oresty De Bow, Tillard, La Mar, Le Nashu, De Marcellain,
Pearre,
North of the South Mountain in the present limits of Washing-
ton county, the first settlements were made by Pennsylvania Ger-
mans prior to 173S, in the vicinity of Clear Spring.
Among the settlers with Huguenot antecedents was Dewalt
Ancony, who arrived at Philadelphia from Europe in 1746, and died
at Clear Spring in 1781, at a very advanced age. He was the foun-
der of a great posterity. George Reidenour, who was born in
Rosenthal, Alsace, in 171 8, and came with his parents to Pennsyl-
vania in 1739, also located at Clear Spring prior to 1754. Jacob
(i). Henri Bouquet was b. 1719 of Huguenot parentage in Switzerland. He
was given an excellent education and at an early age entered the military service
of Holland where he soon rose to distinction. In 1756 he entered the British army
with the rank of Colonel, and was sent to Pennsylvania and participated in the
hostilities against the French and Indians. He was second in command in the ex-
pedition of General Forbes against Fort Duquesne at Pittsburg. In 1763 he led
the expedition for the relief of Fort Pitt in which he was successful after first de-
feating the Indians at Bushy Run. The following year he utterly vanquished the
confederated tribes in Ohio, and compelled them to deliver to him the hundreds
of white captives, mostly women and children, whom they had taken. Those he
brought back to Carlisle, Pa., from whence they were restored to their homes. In
1765 he was naturalized by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, doubtless as a
step to promotion to the rank of general which immediately followed : With his
promotion he was placed in charge of the department of the South with head-
quarters at Pensacola, Florida. Immediately upon his arrival he was smitten
with fever and died 1765.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAtS OF THK HUGUENOTS. 135
Bushong. who died in 1785, was a son of the immigrant y^^;^ Beau-
champ. Jacob Cushwa, the founder of a notable family, was the
son of Isaac Ctishwa, of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. He was
a teamster in Braddock's army in its march through this region
to the crushing defeat at Fort Duquesne in 1755. After quiet
was restored on the frontiers he located at Clear Spring.
The notable Bregunier family came from a refugee who ap-
pears on the arrival list at Philadelphia, in 1740, ^s John Nicholas
Peckonier, and who located at Clear Spring. His grandson, Rev,
Daniel Bregunier., (i 807-1 867). was a distinguished minister of the
Reformed church, and the original of '*01d Mr. Huguenot" in **The
Young Parson," by Dr. Peter Davis.
In ly^g/john MicJicel Mottier, (now Motter), whose parents
were driven from France, landed at Philadelphia, and later located
in this locality, where the name is honorably established.
In \T^(^ John Perrine located on a tract of land near the South
Mountain. This name stands for a great Huguenot family else-
where noted, many members of which fled from France and found
a refuge in foreign lands.
In the western part of the county located in 1740 Lanceolot
Jacques, whose parents fled to England after the Revocation.
Lancelot Jacques first came to Annapolis as agent for a company of
planters. In 1765, in company with others, he acquired a tract of
15,900 acres of land near Clear Spring, where they erected the first
furnace in Western Maryland. Abraham Voturin (Woodring)
came with his parents from Lorraine and located in Eastern Penn-
sylvania. From thence he removed to Hagerstown, in the Provin-
cial period, and was one of the founders of the Reformed church
at that place.
Michcel Horry, (i 729-1 788), who was born in the Palatinate,
of Huguenot parents, was also an early resident here.
The Mumma, Dupre, Bouvard and Millott (i) families all
located in this region in Provincial times.
The Shenandoah Valley.
Most of the early settlers of the Shenandoah Valley, in Vir-
ginia, were Pennsylvania Germans, with a few Scotch Irish, and
Quakers, from the same Province. With these, was a sprinkling
of Huguenots, who although the most insignificant in point of num-
bers, have nevertheless left many conspicuous marks of their pres-
ence. With the exception of a few scattered pioneers, the first dis-
tinctive settlements in the Valley was the result of an agreement
made between the Governor of Virginia and John Jost Heydty of
(i). From the latter came Col. Daniel Millott (1771-1854).
Hosted by
Google
136 MKMORIAIvS OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
Pennsylvania, and Jacob Van Meeter, whereby the Governor ceded
to the aforenamed two, over twenty-five thousand acres of land on
the condition that they locate thereon at least two hundred families.
This was in 1732, and immediately afterwards Jost Heydt located
on the Opequon within five miles of the present city of Winchester.
This was the beginning: of the great migration of the Pennsylvania
Germans to the Valley of Virginia, and which continued southward
until great numbers had penetrated the wilderness to the forks of
the Yadkin, in North Carolina, where they had a flourishing settle-
ment on Dutchman's creek, prior to 1750. ^
Jost Heydt was a native of Strasburg, in Alsace. He was a
member of an ancient Protestant family, despoiled and ruined by
the Papists under Louis XIV, y when he treacherously seized the
city, as elsewhere narrated in this work. (1) Jost Heydt first lo-
cated in Montgomery county, in Pennsylvania, in 1717, and was a
man of prominence and great business capacity. He was well ad-
vanced in years when he and his wife Anna Maria, and seven chil-
dren, four sons and three daughters, removed to the South. His
family consisted at this time of sons, John, Jacob, Isaac and Thomas,
and sons-in-law, Jacob Christma7i, Ceorge Bowman and Paul
Froman, Several sons were also at this time heads of families.
The descendents of Jost Heydt are now very numerous, and consti-
tute a very honorable posterity. Among the notable descendants
^n^lS James, who died in 1779, a son of Joseph Heydt. He was a
member of the Provincial Assembly for a period of sixteen years.
The Larue family of the South mostly came from two branches
of this name, who maHe their escape from France at the Revoca-
tion, and came to New Jersey, where they located in Hunterdon
county. One of these, had among others, three sons, Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob. Of these, Abraham and Jacob were pioneers in
Kentuckey, where Larue county commemorates their name. Isaac,
who was born in New Jersey in 171 2, removed in 1743 to the Val-
ley, and established the Virginia branch of the family.
In Shenandoah county located the Servier, Roller and Boneau-
vent families, all of Huguenot ancestry. Valentine Servier, (father
of John Servier, the famous Commonwealth builder), came from a
family that had fled to England at the Revocation. About 1769 he
accompanied his son and other Virginians to Tennessee, where they
built Fort Watauga, and founded a new Commonwealth. John
Peter Roller (2) and Jean Bonneauvant had both resided some years
in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, before their settlement here.
(i). See chapter VIII.
(2). Vide Chapt. XI.
1^ - • '■
Hosted by
Google
GEN. JOHN E. ROLLER.
p. 95.
^'^V
Hosted by
G^©gl(
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THK HUGUENOTS. 137
The latter located on Mill creek, where he built the first mill in this
region. From these families comes General John E. Roller, (i)
The Disponnet family soon after arrival in Pennsylvania (1739)
removed to the Opequon, near Winchester. Here the father, Jacob,
and several of his family, were cruelly massacred by the Indians
during their bloody incursion into the Valley in 1756.
The De Moss (Dumas) family was likewise located on the
Opequon at an early day. The father, Lewis Dumas, died in 1743,
leaving a large posterity.
CHAPTER XVI.
Monuments of the Huguenots in America.
Their Great Achievements as Statesmen — Diplomats — Schol-
ars — Scientists and Philanthropists in the United
States.
^^And while the races of tnankind endure
Let their great examples standi
Collossalj seen of every land;
To keep the soldier firm— the statesman pure
Till in all lands, and through all hum^an story
The path of duty be the way to glory. *'
3T was a remark of the Historian Bancroft, that America is full
of monuments of the Huguenot emigration. This statement
becomes apparent upon the most casual observation. The
French Protestant exiles were among the most intelligent and en-
terprising of all the people who bore a part in laying the founda-
tions of this great Nation. The **monuments'* they have reared in
the various fields of American enterprise and activity are indeed
lofty and glorious, and form part of the distinctive elements of our
National character. As it would be impractical to describe in detail
all the monuments that stud the decisive field of Gettysburg, or the
trophies of art at the Louvre at Paris, or the memorials of vanished
empires in the British Museum, so is this brief recital ; we can call
attention to only a few typical characters that stand out somewhat
prominently, and pass by multitudes of almost equal greatness.
The intellectual force and personal worth of the Huguenot
character is surprisingly illustrated in many important connections
in the formative period of our Nation. Although but a handful as
(i). Gen. John E. Roller, (b, 1844), of Harrisonburg, Va., a distinguished
Confederate officer, jurist, and historian, descends both from John Peter Roller and
Jean Bonneauvant.
Hosted by
Google
138 MKMORIAIvS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
it were, during our Colonial period, yet scarcely any event of im-
portance was consummated in our early history without receiving in
some form the Huguenot impress.
In a preliminary way we may cite in this connection the fol-
lowing remarkable facts. The jfirs^ session of the Continental Con-
gress was opened at Philadelphia with prayer by Rev. Jacob Duche,
the grandson of an eminent Huguenot refugee. Thi^ee of the pre-
sidents of the Continental Congress were Huguenots, namely John
Jay, Henry Laurens, and Elias Boudinot. The first two were sig-
natories to the Treaty of Peace with England, November 30th, 1 782 .
This treaty was ratified by Congress, in April, 1783, but it did not
become effective until signed by the Huguenot President of Con-
gress, who was Elias Boudinot.
John Jay, as the American Plenopotentiary, signed the final
Treaty of Paris, September 3rd, 1783. Thirty-one years later a
Huguenot descendant again negotiated a Treaty of Peace with the
Mother Country, namely James Bayard. This treaty remains un-
broken to the present day, while Thomas F. Bayard, a descendant
of the same famil}^ as a cabinet officer and Embassador to England
under President Cleveland's administration, has been a prominent
factor in establishing the principles of International Arbitration,
which bids fair to lay the foundations of a permanent Anglo-Saxon
Union, which may change the course of the World's history during
the coming century.
T\\e first U^eastirer of our Nation was Michael Hillegas, who
was the son of an Alsatian refugee. The sterling worth of this dis-
tinguished Philadelphian is shown in the many years of his incum-
bency in this responsible office, especially during the dark and try-
ing period of the Revolution, (i 776-1 783).
Jay. — In the field of American statesmanship no name is more
illustrious than that of John Jay. (i) His life work gave a dis-
tinct trend to our National history. As a member of the Continen-
tal Congress, and President of that body in 1778; as Minister to
Spain in 1779; as one of the Plenopotentiaries for the Treaty of
Peace at the close of the Revolutionary struggle ; as the first Chief
Justice of the new born Nation ; and as one of the first anti-slavery
advocates ; he not only illustrated the true nobility of his Hugue-
(i). John Jay was a descendant of Pierre Jay, a wealthy merchant of I^a
Rochelle, France. At the Revocation he suffered the loss of almost his entire
fortune, but succeeded in escaping with his family to Plymouth, England. His
eldest son Auguste came to New York in 1686, where his grandson, John, was
born in 1745. So highly did Washington 'esteem him that when he became Presi-
dent, he tendered him any office within his gift. Jaj^ choose that of Chief Justice
of the United States, being the first incumbent of that office. He died at Bedford,
N. Y., 1829.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS. 139
not ancestry, but bestowed also illustrious services to humanity. A
character so useful to posterity well merited the enconium of Daniel
Webster, when he said : ''When the spotless ermine of the judi-
cial robe fell on John Jay^ it touched nothing less spotless than
himself y
Boudinot, — Hardly less distinguished thap Jay, stands Elias
Boudinot, who descended from a prominent Huguenot family
of De La Tremblade, France. He was born in Philadelphia, Apri
21, 1740. He was a member of the first convention, (June nth,
1774), which called for a general congress. He was a member of
the Colonial Congress, 1777-79-81-82. Was elected President of
Congress November 4th, 1782, and in that capacity he signed the
Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, April iSth, 1783. In 1795 he
was appointed Director of the Mint at Philadelphia by Washington,
of whom he was a close personal friend. He was a ripe scholar
and gave to the world a number of valuable histories. He was a
patron and trustee of Princeton College, and a great promoter of
literature. He was no less distinguished as a sincere Christian. In
1 8 12 he became a commissioner for the American Board of Foreign
Missions ; and in 18 16 was one of the organizers of the American
Bible Society, and was its first president.
In the great struggle by which American independence was
achieved, the sons of the Huguenot exiles were in the van. South
Carolina alone furnished an entire batallion composed of their de-
scendants, some of whom rose to great distinction, and shed undying
lustre on the page of their country's history, (i)
Laureus. — The name of Henry Laurens (1724-1792) shines as
a star of the first magnitude amid the galaxy of the great. His
parents were among the early Huguenot refugees to Charleston, S.
C, where Henry was born. His services to his country were very
great. He was president of the first Provincial Congress of South
Carolina in 1775, and prepared the declaration against England.
In 1777 he succeeded John Hancock as President of the Continen-
tal Congress. In 1780 he was sent as Plenopotentiary to Holland
to negotiate a treaty and secure a loan. On this voyage he was
captured by the British and held as a prisoner fourteen months.
After his release he, with Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, nego-
tiated the pieliminary Treaty of Peace with Great Britain in
November, 1782.
His son. Colonel John Laurens, (1755-1782), was a distin-
guished soldier and a member of Washington's staff. In 1781 he
(i). The Huguenot Batallion was organized 1779, and serv^ed to the close of
the war. They were commanded by Marquis de Britagne, a distinguished officer
who returned to France at the close of the war.
Hosted by
Google
140 MEMORIALS Olf THE HUGUENOTS.
was sent to France to negotiate a loan for the Government, in
which he was successful. Upon his return he again took the field
in the South, where he unfortunately lost his life in action.
Marion. — During the Revolutionary struggle the great tower
of strength in the South was Major General Francis Marion, (i)
who with his undisciplined and poorly clad Provincials rendered
such valuable services as to win a resolution of thanks from the
Continental Congress and the universal gratitude of the Nation.
Almost every state in the Union has a city or county named in his
honor.
Hiiger, — Marion's worthy companions at arms were the Huger
(2) brothers, five in number, and also from South Carolina. The
chief of this quintett of heroes was Major General Isaac Huger,
who served throughout the war, and was several times wounded in
action. Next was his brother. Colonel Benjamin Huger, who fell
in the battle of Charleston, S. C. , in 1779. Then also Colonel
Francis Huger, Deputy Quartermaster General, while the two
younger brothers were of lesser rank.
Pickens. — To the list of South Carolina worthies we must also
add the name of Andrew Pickens, (i) who rose from the rank of
captain to that of Brigadier General during the Revolution. Always
foremost in action, whether with British or Indian, is it safe to say
that no American leader ever displayed greater gallantry, or ever
achieved greater results with such limited resources. The Conti-
nental Congress presented him with a sword for his distinguished
services.
Manigault. — The name of Gabriel Manigault (1704-1781)
shines with a fadeless lustre on the escutcheon of South Carolina.
His father, also Gabriel, was one of the Rochelles Refugees to
Charleston, where Gabriel was born. He became one of the wealthy
men of the South, and during the war of the Revolution loaned vast
sums of money to his native state for the prosecution of the war.
At the age of seventy-five years, with a grandson by his side, he
took part in resisting the British attack upon Charleston in 1779.
Servier. — (3) (1745-18 15). Perhaps no individual in the
South left a more lasting impression on the civic institutions of that
(i). Gen. Francis Marion was born near Georgetown, S. C.,*i732, and died in
1795. His grandfather Benjamine Marion was a refugee from JLa Chaume, France,
from whence he fled to South Carolina after the Revocation.
(2). Grandsons of Daniel Huger, who fled from the Isle of Rhe to England in
1682, and from thence to Charleston, vS. C, in 1696.
(3). Andrew Pickens was born of Huguenot parentage at Paxtang, Penna.,
1739. His parents removed to S. C. in 1752. After a highly distinguished career
he died in 1817. His son Andrew was also eminent, and was Governor of S. C.
1816-1818.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THE; HUGUENOTS. 141
region than John Servier, *'The Commonwealth Builder." His
father, Valentine, was born in London, of Huguenot parentage, and
emigrated to the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, where his distin-
guished son was born. In 1769, he with other Virginians, including
his aged father and brother, made a settlement on the Holsten
river, in East Tennessee, where they built Fort Watuga. John Ser-
vier was an ardent patriot during the Revolution, placing himself at
the head of his fellow frontiersmen he became a terror to the British.
His most brilliant achievement was at the battle of King's
Mountain, October 7th, 1780. At this time the cause of the Col-
onists seemed lost in the South, when Gen. Servier, with fierce im-
petuosity, threw his little army against the seemingly impregnable
position of the British, and in one hour annihilated the left wing of
the army of Cornwallis, made hissurrender at Yorktown imperative,
and the glories of American Independence sure. Servier was prac-
tically the founder of Tennessee. Its first, and for three successive
terms its Governor.
Le Conte, — The Le Conte family (2) affords a striking exam-
ple of the intellectual virility of the Huguenot character, as they
have furnished a very large number of distinguished names, especi-
ally in the field of Science. Among the most eminent may be men-
tioned Dr, Lewis Le Conte, born in New Jersey in 1782, and who
settled in Georgia. He became famous for his work in mathemat-
ics, botany and zoology. He died in 1838. His son John, born in
18 1 8, who as President of the University of California, has made
for himself a name second to none in the special sphere of his labors.
Another son of Lewis is Prof. Joseph Le Conte, born 1823, professor
of geology and natural history in the University of California, and
who has a world wide reputation as a Naturalist. His numerous
works are considered standard authorities on the subjects on which
they treat. Major John Eaton Le Conte, brother of Lewis first
mentioned, was born in New Jersey in 1784, and died in Philadel-
phia in i860. He was an eminent engineer, and for a long time in
the service of the United States. Notwithstanding his arduous duties
in the civil service, he made extensive researches in natural history.
John Lawrence Le Conte, son of Major Le Conte, (b. 1825, d.
1883), was one of the greatest scientists of the century. He was
for years the President of the American Entomological Society, and
in 1873 was elected as President of the American Association for
the Advancement of Science.
(i). See '* John Servier as a Commonwealth Builder."
(2). Descendants of William Le Conte (b. 1659, d. 1728), who fled from Rouen,
France, to New York, after the Revocation. On his mother's side he was de-
scended from the NobiHt3^
Hosted by
Google
142 MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Revere, — All the world has heard of Paul Revere and his fa-
mous ride. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, of Huguenot
parentage in 1735. He has the distinction of having been the foun-
der of copper-plate engraving in America. He also rendered valu-
able services to his country as a Colonel in the War of the Revolu-
tion, His famous *'ride," celebrated in song and story, was the
carrying of the order of General Warren, at midnight, April i8th,
1775, through Charlestown to Concord and Lexington, warning the
people of the approach of the British under General Gage, and dis-
played the signal lanterns in the steeple of Christ Church, in Boston.
Ravenel. — The history of the Ravenel family of South Carolina,
is an honor both to the Huguenot character and the state of their
adoption. The founder of the family was Rene Ravenel, of Vitre,
France. The Ravenels are of noble rank, and figure honorably in
the history of France. Rene Ravenel being a Protestant, was com-
pelled to leave all his estates in 1686, and came with others to
Charleston, S. C. His descendants were prominent already in col-
onial times. Only the briefest mention can be given a number of the
present century.
D7\ St. Julien i^<^ 7;^/^^/ (18 19-1882) was one of the greatest
agricultural chemists of the age, and his researches and discoveries
have been of great value to mankind. Henry W. Ravenel, LL. D,,
(i 814-1887) was a botanist of world wide celebrity, and his great
work on the Fungi of the South, (5 Vols., 1853-1860), was the
first of its kind in America. Of him it was well said *'The name of
Ravenel will ever be perpetuated in the genus Ravenelea of the
Uredinal, a genus so peculiar in its character that it is not probable
that it will ever be reduced to a synonym." (i). The late Dr.
Edmund Ravenel was an accomplished chemist and conchologist.
Dr. Mazyc Porcher Ravenel, of the University of Pennsylvania, is
a noted specialist. Hon. H. E. Ravenel, of Spartansburg, S. C,
is an author of works on Jurisprudence, and has also written a val-
uable history of the Ravenel family. (2)
Dana. — The descendants of Richard Dana, who came as a re-
fugee to Boston, Mass., prior to the Revocation, afTords another
notable example as that just illustrated. He has given us Dr.
Francis Dana, (b. 1743, d. 181 1), who was a delegate to the first
Provincial Assembly, and our first Minister to Russia in 1781 ; dele-
gate to the Convention that framed the Federal Constitution ;
one of the founders of the American Academy of Fine Arts, besides
many other notable connections.
(i). Botanical Gazette 1887.
(2). Ravenel Records.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THK HUGUENOTS. 143
Richard Henry Da7ia, (b. 1787), the distinguished poet and
novelist, and his scarcely less distinguished son, Richard Henry Jr,^
(b. 18 1 5), James Dwight Dana, (b. 181 3), of Yale College, the
celebrated geologist, whose works are standard authorities ; Colonel
Napoleon J. T. Dana, (b. 1822), who served with distinction in the
Mexican and Civil War; Dr, Samuel Luther Dana, LL. D», (1795-
1868), the eminent chemist ; and lastly, Charles Anderson Dana,
(18 1 8-1 897), who as a writer and editor, and Assistant Secretary of
War under President Lincoln, and his confidential agent, proved
himself to be one of the most resourceful of men.
Tour gee. — In literature we find but few more forceable writers
than Judge A. W. Tourgee, while the musical world has no greater
ornament than Prof. Eben Tourgee, (i) the leader of the New Eng-
land Conservatory of Music in Boston, Mass.
Pumpelly. — Mention only can be made of Professor Raphcel
Pumpelly, (2) of Harvard University, whose extensive researches,
and valuable works, have done so much for the advancement of
science.
Reference has already been made to the many eminent de-
scendants of the Huguenot refugees to the South, the list of which
would be incomplete without a reference to several more whose lives
and services have contributed so largely to our country's greatness.
Poinsett. — To this number must be ^^A^di Joel Robert Poinsett,
(3) (^779-1851). This eminent American supplemented a thor-
ough education by extensive travels in Europe and Asia before en-
tering the public service. Among the numerous responsible posi-
tions he filled was that of Minister to Mexico and Secretary of War
in President Van Buren's Cabinet. He was the founder of the
Academy of Fine Arts in Charleston, S. C. , and practically also of
the National Museum at Washington.
Maury. — Undoubtedly one of the most eminent men of this
age was Matthew Fontai?i Maury, (1806-1873), whoeminated from
the Huguenot colony on the James. Although Lieutenant Maury
was in the service of the American Navy nearly all his life, yet his
scientific researches, especially in astronomy and hydrography were
world renowned, and epoch-making. In literature he is known as
the '^Philosopher of the Sea," and he is generally regarded as the
Founder of Hydrographic Science. He was a member of many
societies of learning both in America and Europe.
(i). Descendants of Pierre Tourgee, who came to Rhode Island in 1700.
(2). Descendant of Pierre Pumpelly, who came to Massachusetts in 1679.
(3). A descendant of Pierre Poinsett, a refugee to S. C. about 1686.
Hosted by
Google
144 MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Perrine, — The Perrine i2.vc{Ay (i) has added a great list of
distinguished names to the honor roll, and for almost two centuries
has had its representatives in many important fields of action,
where as ministers, jurists, scientists, and many other profes-
sions, they have added lustre to their ancestral name. The achieve-
ments in astronomy of Prof. E. D. Perrine, of the Lick Observa-
tory, are especially noteworthy.
Soule, — It is well known that several Huguenot families came
to New England with the Pilgrim Fathers in the ''Mayflower." Of
this number was George Soule, whose descendants have been espe-
cially distinguished as soldiers, ministers, and literary men.
Pintard, — One of the most progressive and public spirited men
the Empire State has ever produced was John Pintard, whose an-
cestor, Antoine Pintard, came as a refugee to New York in 1690.
John Pintard was distinguished in many spheres of activity, but his
memory will be perpetuated chiefly for his noble philanthropy, and
also as the Founder of the New York Historical Society.
Provoost, — Another distinguished descendant of the refugees
to New York was the Right Reverend Samuel Provoost, (1742-
181 5), the first Protestant Episcopal bishop of New York. Among
the notable services of this Divine was that of Chaplain to the Con-
tinental Congress in 1785, and Chaplain to the United States Sen-
ate in 1789.
In the further pursuit of this subject we find ourselves in the
dilemma of Paul, in recounting his Bible Worthies as yet unmen-
tioned, when he writes : **And what more shall I say, for the time
would fail me to write." — Heb. XI: J2. We must content ourselves
with the mere mention of some who have achieved a fame more
lasting and honorable than the monarchs, whose blind bigotry drove
their fathers across the seas.
Vincent Rougnio7i. — The ancestor of the Runyon family, of
New Jersey, who came, prior to 1668, from Poitiers, has given
to posterity many men of eminence, notably Hon. Theodore
Runyon, (i 822-1 896), late United States Embassador to Ger-
many.
The ancestor of the distinguished jurist, Gabriel Duval,
(1752-1944), from 1811 to 1826 a Supreme Justice of the United
States, was Mars Marien Duval, who fled from France in 1643,
and came to Maryland.
(i). This family was mostly Protestant, was greatly scattered by persecution,
some fled to England from whence John Perrine came to Braintree, Mass., in 1635-
1640. Daniel Perrine from whom most of the name descended, came to New
York in 1665 ; married in 1666. and settled on Staten Island. (See N. Y. Genea-
logical and Biographical Record, Vol. XIX and XX).
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS Olf THE HUGUENOTS. 145
The ancestor of L. Q. C. Lamar, a member of President
Cleveland's Cabinet, and later a member of the Supreme Court of
the United States, likewise came to Maryland, from whence de-
scendants went to Georgia, where the latter statesman was born in
1826.
The Hon. Columbus Delano, (1811-1896), Secretary of the
Interior in President Grant's Cabinet, 1879-1875, descended from
a refugee to New England.
The Hon. Richard Olney, late Secretary of State, descends
from Andre Sigourney, also a refugee to New England.
Noted Institutions and Enterprises of Huguenot Origin*
In the more peaceful fields of learning the Huguenots of
America have likewise erected lofty and most enduring **monu-
ments." They have ever stood in the front ranks of art, science
and literature, and in view of the smallness of their numbers com-
pared with the other elements of our population, their achieve-
ments, to say the least, have been remarkable. Some of the great-
est institutions of the New World have been founded by their
munificence and philanthropy. Although Stephen Girard (1750-
1831) can hardly fall under the designation of -^Huguenot," he was
nevertheless an honor to the French race, and when he bequeathed
his mighty fortune to Philadelphia, the city of his adoption, he en-
riched humanity as few men have ever done. Girard College, the
offspring of his truly noble heart, is unriveled by any of its class in
the world.
Faneuil Hall. — Next to Independence Hall, in Philadelphia,
the cause of freedom has no more sacred shrine than Faneuil Hall,
in Boston, and which has been aptly termed the * 'Cradle of Lib-
erty." This historic edifice owes its existence to the munificence
and public spirited character of a Huguenot merchant of that city,
Peter Faneuil. (i) When he erected the structure as a market
house and city hall, and presented it to the city, he '*builded better
than he knew." It would seem as though the Genius of Liberty, in
vindication of the wrongs of the Huguenots, had singled out this
building as the chief Forum for the discussion of principles and
measures by which the torch of civil and religious freedom was lit,
and which proved to be the harbinger of a new era in the history
of the human race.
(i). Benjamine and Andrew Faneuil, merchants of La Rochelle, France, fled
to New York at the Revocation, the former vSettled in New York City and the
latter in Boston. Andrew died childless, and left his wealth to his brothers son
Peter, who in 1741-42, erected the famous Faneuil Hall and presented it to the
city of Boston.
Hosted by
Google
146 MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Gallaiidet College. — This institution, for the higher education
of the deaf and dumb, and the first of its kind in the world, was
founded at Washington, D. C, by the Gallaudets, whose services
to this class of unfortunates have never been surpassed. The
father. Rev. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, (i) of Philadelphia,
(1787-1851), devoted his life to the improvement of the condition
of the deaf and dumb, and originated many of the methods by
means of which this unfortunate class of humanity are enabled to
communicate with their fellow men. His sons are no less distin-
guished. Edward Miner Gallaudet, LL. D., (b. 1837), became an
eminent authority on the instruction of the deaf and dumb, and was
the Founder, and became the first President of the National Deaf-
Mute College at Washington. His brother. Rev. Thomas Gallau-
det, D. D. , (b. 1822), has also become a successful author and
worker in this humane field. In 1850 he became pastor of an
Episcopal church in the city of New York, in which he established
services in the Sign Language.
Bozvdoi7i College. — Among the notable institutions in America
founded by the Huguenots, is Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, in
the state of Maine. It was named in honor of Governor James
Bowdoin, (2) who was its patron, and who richly endowed it.
Governor Bowdoin, was one of the foremost men of his times, not
only in public affairs, but also in the field of learning. He was an
intimate friend and correspondent of Benjamin Franklin, and the
first President of the Academy of Arts and Sciences. His only son,
James, was also a man of eminence and profound learning. In 1 805
he was United States Minister to Spain. Dying childless in 181 1,
he also left a princely legacy to Bowdoin College.
It is no less a distinguished honor than a remarkable coinci-
dence, that in 1895 three departments of our National Govern-
ment were simultaneously under the presidency of Bowdoin grad-
uates, namely, Thomas Reed, Speaker of the House of Represen-
tatives, Senator Frye, Chairman pro tern of the Senate, and Chief
Justice Fuller, the head of the Judiciary Department.
Robert College, — This institution, situated at Constantinople,
Turkey, is another notable Huguenot memorial. It was founded
by the late C. R. Roberts, (3) of New York, whose princely muni-
(i). A descendant of Dr. Pierre EHsee Gallaudet, who came as a refugee to
New Rochelle, N. Y., after the Revocation.
(2). Governor Bowdoin was born in Boston in 1726, and died in 1790. He was
the grandson of Pierre Bowdoin, who came as a refugee to Boston soon after the
Revocation. He died in 1706.
(8). The philanthrophist, Christopher R. Robert, was a descendent of Daniel
Robert, of La Rochelle, who fled at the Revocation to Martinique, and from
thence to New York.
Hosted by
Google
MONUMENT OF
MAJ. GEN. JOHN F. REYNOLDS.
FELL AT GETTYSBURG JULY I, 1863.
A FERREE — Le FEVRE DESCENDANT.
P. 106.
Hosted by
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI,S OF THE HUCUENOTS. 147
ficence and tender sympathy for the unfortunate, not only led him
to give with an unsparing hand to his countrymen, but also prompt-
ed him to provide the means for the elevation of his fellow-men in
the benighted Orient.
Grinnell Polar Expedition. — In this connection it is worthy of
record that the first promoters of Arctic Explorations in America
were the Grinnell brothers, whose Huguenot ancestor came to New
England at a very early day. These men were Hon. Henry Grinnell,
(i 799-1 874), who was the first President of the American Geo-
graphical Society, and Moses Grinnell, (1807-1877). Their first ven-
ture was in 1850, when they sent an expedition in search of the lost
Franklin party. The second under the leadership of the noted Dr.
Elisha Kent Kane in 1853. By these expeditions our knowledge
of the Polar Regions was vastly advanced.
GENERAL LIST OF HUGUENOT IMMIGRANTS
TO PENNSYLVANIA.
The following list comprises the names of such immigrants to
Pennsylvania during the Provincial period as are believed to have
been of Huguenot origin. The list also includes the names of some
Alsatians and Lorraines, and also a few whose ancestors had located
in neighboring colonies. With the exception of the latter class,
nearly all the immigrants in the subjoined list came to Pennsylva-
nia as ''foreigners" or non British subjects, and were compelled to
be naturalized, and after 1727 all male foreigners above sixteen
years of age were obliged to subscribe to an oath of allegiance.
Fortunately for posterity, these lists are still extant and have been
published by the State, (i).
Several volumes also contain lists of naturalizations of persons
who arrived prior to 1727.
Should the reader fail to find the name of a supposed Hugue-
not immigrant to Pennsylvania in this Hst, he should not therefore
conclude that such a supposed person did not arrive. Many things
must be taken into consideration. Among others, the imperfec-
tions of the official records, arising from the fact that many names
of immigrants were written phonetically. It should be remembered
that French names abound in silent letters, and are not pronounced
as the written name appears to the eye, and hence many names on
(i). Pa. Archives Vol. XVII. , second vseries. See also Prof. Rupp's 30,000
names.
Hosted by
Google
148 MKMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
the official lists do not appear in their French form. We may cite
a few examples. Beatichamp appears as Bushong; Michelot as
Mickley ; Wesco (Vasqueau) Wesger ; Voturin as Wotring, and
so on.
Again, in many instances where the original French name was
preceded by the definite article la, le and de (the), and du (of, or
from the), these prefixes have either been discarded or joined to the
name. The following few examples will illustrate these changes.
Many descendants of the Du Fresne, De Cessna, De Saussier^ and
many other immigrant families have dropped the prefix and write
the name Frehne, Cessna, Sausser, etc. Of names where the arti-
cle is now joined to the name we have Dumont, Duhamel, Dtibret,
Lorange (L'Orange), Lebo (Le Beau), Lesher (Le Char), Devo
(De Veau), Dilcamp (De la Camp), Dilabar (De la Barre), etc.
Of names that have lost their French form entirely by phonetic
transition we give the following examples : Billozv {Billeaux),
Casho (Cacheau), Shadow (Chateau), Perrigo (Perrigeau),
Boatman (Baudemon), Jacks (Jacques), and so scores of others.
Then again, we find many honored French names now writ-
ten in their English or German equivalent. A few examples must
suffice. Tonnelier is Kieffer in German, and Cooper in English.
Pierre is Stein in German and Stone in English, and so on. On
this principle n}any French names have entirely disappeared. This
list is the result of many years of careful research, during which
time the Archives of the State have been thoroughly explored,
church records of the Colonial period, and the records of many
families have been searched with most gratifying results in many
instances.
There are many families of French origin in Pennsylvania
whose names do not appear in this list. In such cases we have
failed to find traces of arrival or of Huguenot origin. No doubt
many of these families come from the unfortunate Acadians, who
were^cruelly deported from Nova Scotia in i75S-'56 by the British
government. The number who came to Pennsylvania was so large,
and their distress so great, that the Provincial Assembly was neces-
sitated to pass measures for their relief, (i) It will be remem-
bered that Longfellow's touching poem, Evangeline, is based on an
incident connected with these exiles.
(i). Vide Rupp's Hist. I,anc. Co., P. 301.
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOtS.
149
GENERAL LIST.
Note.— The dates following names Indicate the time of arrival as derived from official records
The names of counties where immigrants located are abbreviated. Immigrants from Alsace and
Lorraine are mostly indicated by brackets.
Ache, John I/udwig — John George
and Herman, 1752, I<eb. Co. ;
John and George in Cocalico,
Ivanc. Co., prior to 1756.
AUeman, Jacob, Sr., Jacob, Jr., 1741 —
Stephen, 1749, (Lorraine)— Dors-
tius and Peter, 1752— John Chris-
tian, John Frederick, Christian
and Hiram, 1753, Jean Jacques,
1754, (lyorraine), Lane, and Leb.
Albert, see Chap. XIV.
Anganie, Nich., 1736, Dewalt,' 1746,
Theobald, 1733, Lanc.-Leb.
Amacher, Mich. 1754, (Lorraine).
Armeson, Pierre, (Armishong), 1753,
Lane.
Arnoul, Jean Pierre, 1751.
Aubertin, Pierre 1739.
Aune, Pierre 1744.
Aurand, Peter and Herman 1733,
John 1733, Berks Co.
Balliet, Paul 1738, Lehigh, Joseph,
1749, Bucks.
Barberat, Jacques 1749, (Lorraine).
Barrett, Baldus 1738.
Baptiste, Jean Francois 1753, Jean
1770, Jean 1771, Jean 1771.
Baird, Francois and William, 1754,
Xttortame), Lane.
Bacii, Jacques 1754, (Lorraine).
Bachart, Geo. 1749, Lehigh.
Balme, Jacques 1753.
Balmas, Pierre 1757.
Baldy, Conrad, prior to 1740.
Baldus, John Leonard, 1749, John
Peter 1753.
Bar, John, 1754, (Lorraine).
Barto, (Perdeau) John, 1730, Berks,
Isaac, prior to 1750, Nicholas,
1773.
Barre, Jacob, Sr., Jacob, Jr., John
Henry, Lane, prior to 1718.
Baron, John Phihp 1747— Nich. 1752,
Jacob 1753, Jonas 1763.
Bashore, (Le Baiseur), George, prior
to 1733, Lane, Jacob 1732, Ch.
XIV, Daniel and Sebastian, 1749.
Batillion, (Bertillion), George, Wil-
liam, Christian, Frederick and
Abraham, 1751.
Baudeman, Andri 1750, Jean and Isaac
1753, (Now Butman).
Bauer, John and Thomas 1754, (Lor-
raine).
Bayer, Chap. VIL
Bayard, Chap. VII. Bohemia Manor.
Bayle, Nich.l729, Mich. 1748, Andrew,
prior to 1745.
Bazillion, Peter Chap. XI, John Man-
well 1732.
Berringer, Klias 1738, Paul 1743, Adam
1748, Henry 1750, Nich. and Bar-
tholemew 1754.
Berrett, Jos. Berks, prior io 1758.
Beaver, Dieble 1741, Geo. Dewalt and
John, (Alsace) , John Geo. (Alsace)
1732, Mich., Val and John, (Beeber)
1768.
Beau, Jacques, Frans Carl 1768.
Beaumont, John Geo. 1764.
Beauchamp, Jean Lane, prior to 1719.
Jean 1731, died in Lane. Co. 1749*
John Mich. 1732, William 1741.
(now Bushong).
Bernetz, John Leonard, John George
Carl, Elias David, York, prior to
1737.
Bernot, Jacob 1751.
Belle, Jean Pierre 1754. (Lorraine).
Bernhart, John Thomas 1754. (Lor-
raine).
Bess, Christian 1754. (Lorraine).
Berge, Jacques 1754. (Lorraine).
Berot, Frans Ludwig 1738, York. Hlell-
barth 1751, Berks. Jacques 1752,
Lane.
Bertolet, Peter and Jean Chap. VIII.
Bertie, Nich. (Bertolet?) 1732, Lane.
BCvSsonett, Richard, Bucks.
Benezette, John Stephen 1731, Phila.
Beaufort, Casper 1775.
Benech, Martin and Simon 1732.
John Mich. 1751. John Christian
1752.
Hosted by
Google
150
MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Beggary, Vincent (Peckary), 1753.
Beidinger, John Adam and Peter 1736,
(Alsace), York. Andrew 1752.
Beveneau, Anton 1749, York.
Bigonet, Jean 1752. Francis 1773,
(Bigoney), Mont. Co.
Billet, Bosler, York.
Blocq, Albert, Del., prior to 1677.
Bodine, John, vide Conewago.
Boileau, Isaac, Bucks. Jacob, Berks
prior to 1752.
Bouchee, Rudolf 1738, John 1749,
Gregorius 1753.
Bohre, Peter 1750.
Borie, I^aurens 1766, Mathew d. Lane.
1780.
Bontaux, John and Joseph 1752.
Bourquin, Jean 1773.
Bourgeois, Benjamine —
Bouvard, Robert, Cumb., prior to 1740.
Bouton, Jean Daniel, 1739, Leonard
Nat. Bucks Co. 1734, George Nat.
Phila. 1754.
Bonnett, Jacques and fam. 1733, Jean
Philipp, prior to 1736. Peter 1737,
Lane. Co., John Mich 1750, Jean
1753, Henry 1763.
Bouchell, vide Bohemia Manor.
Bouquet, Jacob 1743, Philip 1747.
Boschard, John 1738, Adam 1740, Ber-
nard 1741, Fred 1750. John Daniel
1757.
Boyer, Alex 1648, Samuel 1710, John
Phil. 1731, Gabriel, prior to
1732, James in Phila., prior to
1734, Carios 1748, Vide Chap. VII.
Bonjour, And. 1754, Lane.
Boudinot, Blias, Phila., Prior to 1731.
Boneauvent, Jean 1740, Va.
Bregonier, John Nich. 1740, Md.
Brant, Jos. Lane.
Brevard —
Brunot, Felix 1732, John in Phila.,
prior to 1738, John 1752, Felix ?
Buck, Nich. (Lorraine), Mont. Co.
1752.
Cacheau, (Casho), Jacob early in Dela-
ware, Samuel, Lane, prior];to]1752,
Jacques 1772.
Cambourd, Jean 1732.
Carmeton, Fred 1742.
Cally, Christ (Lorraine), 1754.
Carel, Jacques, Sr,, Jacques, Jr., Peter
and Jacob 1754.
Caquelin, SebavStian and sons Jean and
Dietrich 1736, Felty ''From the
north of France" 1752, Lane.
Carmane, John and Anthony 1756, Leb.
Caffarel, Paul, 1753.
Cazenove, de, Jean Antoine and An-
toine Charles 1780.
Cazart, see Conewago.
Cellier, John 1727, Pierre 1748.
Chapelle, Bberhart 1757, Jeremiah
and John Peter 1753.
Chamblin, John, York, prior to 1756.
Chasseur, Joseph 1764.
Chevelier, Philip Del., prior to 1677,
Pierre C. Phila., prior to 1710.
Christien, Jean Francois from Rodan,
Alsace, 1736, Christian and Peter
1757.
Charmeli, Simon 1749.
Chartier, Martin, prior to 1697.
Choape, Theors 1740.
Chars, And and fara. 1732.
Chateau, (Shadow) Jean Nich. 1739,
Lane.
Charett— ?
Chedrone, (Shetron) Abr. 1749, York.
Clement, Mich. 173S.
Clevel, (Clewell), Francis and Geo.
1737, Northampton.
Claude, Charies 1788. Pierre 1770.
Clerq, Henri Del., prior to 1677.
Couvier, Jean Jacques 1754.
Cotineau.
Cocliet, (now Gouche, Goshen), Dan-
iel in Phila. prior to 1756. John
Geo. Deitrich, Francis and Isaac
1768, Leb. Co.
Conte,John 1729.
Corbo, Jean 1737, Mont. Co.
Compos, Peter 1752.
Conrieu, Francois 1746.
Comer, Jean 1736, Lane.
Conrad, John Mich (Lorraine), 1754.
Courteur, Joseph 1751.
Cossart, (Gr. Gossert), J. 1741, Henry
1749, Lane.
Cossine, Peter and Cornelius, vide
Conewago.
Coshune, Jean, Conewago.
Consul, Arenne 1746.
Cresson, Isaac, Phila., 1728. Conrad
prior to 1728.
Crespin, Joseph 1753.
Creuccas, Jacques 1737.
Crownwalt, Jacob (Lorraine), 1754.
Cushwa, Isaac 1732, Leb. Co.
Darant, (Durant), Geo. Peter 1741.
Dacier, Daniel 1750. John Mich, and
John Martin 1752. Paul 1753.
Daron, Mich. York Co.
Dasons, Francois 1734.
Dauny, Jean Louis, nat. 1 732.
De Armand, James, Dauphin, prior to
1740. Henry 1756.
De Avier, Jean Louis, 1732, Lane.
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
151
De Normandy, Andri 1706, Bucks.
De Bran, John 1690.
De Bertholet, John Phlilip, 1737.
De Mans, Jean 1741, Lane.
De Belle, Jacob 1738.
De Bleame, ? Mont.
De Benneville, Dr. Geo. 1741, Berks.
De Benoit, Humber prior to 1749,
De Cesna, Jean 1718, I,anc.
De Boileau, Isaac, Bucks.
De Beau, (De Bo, De Bus, Du Bus),
Abraham and Philip 1732. Con-
rad, I^anc. prior to 1737. Chris-
tian 1740. Daniel and Jacob 1743.
De Dier, Jean Germantown early,
Jean 1770.
De Dee, Jean 1712, Oley, Daniel 1750,
David and John Geo. 1751, Abra-
ham (Lorraine) 1754, Lane, Josue,
Jean Pierre and Jean, 1765.
De Fresne, (De Frain), 1731. Chap
VII.
De France, John prior to 1740, Dau-
phin.
De Gann, Moris, Delaware, prior to
1()77.
De Gomois, (Degonia), Adam, prior to
1754, York.
De Grange, Andre 1749; John, York
Co., prior to 1750.
De Hass, Capt. John, Del., prior to
1660, Geo. Philip 1749, Leb.
De Longschamp, Chas. Julian.
De Lage, Pierre Phila. 1736, died 1766.
De Lancy, Francois, Lane, prior to
1754.
De Long, Jacob 1743, Berks.
De Marcellain, Bucks.
De Morest, Gerrett, Conewago.
De Purcell, William, Bucks, 1734.
De Pree, Jacques 1764.
De Prefontain, Peter, Phila., prior to
1754.
De Pui, Nicholas, Minisink, 1697.
De Ring, Mat. Delaware, prior to
1677.
De Rimley, Nich. Francis, Bethlehem.
De Remo, Jacques, 1750.
De Sanno, Frederick, Bucks.
De Turk, Isaac 1712, Berks.
De Tar, John Lane.
De Tray, Christian 1737, Bucks, Con-
rad, Nat. Phila. 1662.
De Veau, Pierre, 1736, Conrad 1754.
De Ville, John 1765.
De La Barrie, (Delabar), Jacob, Bucks,
prior to 1745.
De La Bach, Val. and Peter, prior to
1757, Dauphin.
DeLaCour,(Dellicker, Rev. Frederick)
De La Camp, Henry, Berks 1753.
De La Grange, Jost. Del. 1656.
DeLa Planch, Jacques, Berks, prior to
1720.
De La Plaine, Jacques, Phila. 1691.
De La Noe, Rev. Chas. Phila., prior
to 1700.
De La Vail, John, Phila. 1682.
De La Ware, Isaac m. in Phila. 1735.
Decha, Edward 1752.
Deschong, (Des Champ), Diet. Wil-
liam 1752, Lane, William and
Mathias 1753.
Deque, Jacques, 1773.
Dessloch, Geo. (Lorraine) 1754.
Denije, Pierre 1773.
Deoux, Philip, prior to 1750.
Dilloe, Pierre, (Dillo) 1736, Lane,
Mich., prior to 1745.
Dillier, (Diller) Casper 1731, Lane,
Francis 1738,
Digeon, Daniel 1742, (Alsace), North-
ampton.
Dinkle, John Daniel 1750, (Alsace),
York.
Dispionett, Jacques, (Des Bonnett),
1739, to Va.
Douthett York, prior to 1754.
Doz, Anthony 1685, Phila.
Dobler, Nicholas (Lorraine), 1752,
Dauphin.
Dore, Antoine 1770.
Donderman, Jean Pierre 1773.
Dondore, Michael (Alsace), Lane,
prior to 1718, John and son Jacob,
1741, Berks,
Douay, Conrad 1740.
Donatt, Geo. nat. Chester Co. 1734.
Due y, John and John Christian 1750,
ChevSter,
Doutell, Jacob 1738, Jacob, York Co.,
prior to 1746, Francois, Lane,
prior to 1750.
Doute, (Du Tay) David and John Geo.
1751, Lane, Francois, Lane, prior
to 1758.
Dracot, Ralph — Bucks.
Drapet, Jean 1750.
Dravo, Anthony, Pittsburg.
Dupree, Jacob nat. 1734, Jacob in
Phila., prior to 1693, Jacob nat.
Berks Co. 1762, Geo. Berks Co.
1764.
Dupee, Danl, Phila., prior to 1754,
Christian, Leb., prior to 1749.
Durye, Geo. 1733, Berks, Jacob 1738,
Samuel, Conewago*
Duponceau, Peter Phila.
Duval, Daniel 1749.
Duche, Anthony Phila., prior to 1700.
Hosted by
Google
152
MEMORIAI.S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Dufort, Philip, Sr., Philip, Jr., 1738.
Dubrett Jacques, 1763.
Duistro, Jean 1740.
Durell, Moses» Phil., prior to 1731.
Dushane — early in Delaware.
Duchand, Francis 1773.
Duton, Abraham 1754.
Du Simetere, Pierre Eugene 1764,
Phil.
Du Corson, Benj., Bucks Co.
Du Keyness, Henry, I^nc, prior to
1762.
Du Castle, Edmund Phil., 1682.
Du Bach, Clement 1734.
Du Pont, Vide Chap. VI, George
1768.
Du Bois, Jean, New Castle, prior to
1694, Solomon 1718, Conrad 1728,
(d. 1757), Abraham 1732, Philip—
Eckerline, Page 115.
Emilot, Nich. and I^eonard 1782,
Lane.
Escogue, John Peter 1738.
Ekord, Phil. 1731.
Forney, Abraham age 64 y. 1734,
Christian and Peter 1734, Lane,
Jacob 1752, John Adam 1747.
Femme, Geo., Jr., 1753.
Ferree, Vide Chap. XII.
Fidele, Mich. Mont., prior to 1740.
Fiscus, Gerhart (Alsace) 1744.
Fleury, Pierre 1732, Joseph and sons
Joseph and John 1733, Abra. nat.
in Phila. 1743, Adolphe and Geo.
1754.
Folquier, Jean Jacques 1754, married
in Phila. 1755.
Fontain, Jacob, 1751, Dauphin.
Fortineaux, (Fortney) Jean Henri nat.
1727, Francois 1737, David 1739,
Jean aged 56 and Samuel 1742,
Mechoir d. 1754, Lane.
Fournier, David York, prior to 1740.
Frentier, Jean 1755.
Frenier, Casper 1739, Lane.
Frank, John Adam (Lorraine), 1754.
Frey, Henry, Altheim Alsace, ta
Phila., prior to 1685.
Garragues, Vide Ch. VI.
Garton, de. Abraham, Lane, prior to
1736, Felix 1749.
Gasha, (Casho ?) Peter 1749, York.
Gashon, Jean 1752.
Gannett, John Henry, prior to 1745,
Berks.
Gateau, Nich. nat. Phil. 1704.
Gallo, Christian 1751, Jean 1768.
Gausfres, Jean 1738.
Gaigdon, Jean Henri, 1763.
Gautier, Pierre and Jacques 175.S.
Gerra, Pierre and Joseph, 1746.
Gerard, Nich. 1736, David d. 1769,
Berks Co., Peter nat. 1767.
Gerardin, (also Chare tin, Sheradan),
Jacob and fam. 1748, Berks.
Gennevine, Leonard York, prior to
1755.
Gehret, Geo. 1737, Frances 1744,
Peter, 1749, Berks.
Gerber, Christian and Geo. Mich.
(Alsace), 1738, Berks.
Gillion, Charie, 1738, Pierre 1752.
Gilbert, John 1757, John Wendel 1754,
(Lorraine).
Gourrier, Pierre 1753, Lane.
Grauel, (Crowell L. Dept. Rec), John
Mich., Sr., (1683-1753), 1730,
Berks, John Mich. 1733.
Gruwell, John (from France), Delaware
after 1700.
Grimm, Egideus (Alsace) 1727, Le-
high.
Greine, Pierre, 1754, Lane.
Grosjean, Jacques (Groshong), 1756,
Dauphin.
Granget, Jean 1738, Adrian 1767.
Grandaden, Francois and Adam, 1749,
Lane.
Grenoble, de, Jacob, 1743, Berks.
Gresamere, Casper, Peter and John
Valentine 1730, Mont, and Berks.
Hareourt, Mich. 1751.
Haller, Henry (Alsace), 1738, Lane.
Hathe, Jean Gaspard, 1771.
Hammand, Erasmus '*from Nancy,'*
1739.
Hasslinger, Geo. (Lorraine), 1756.
Hauser, John Henry (Lorraine), 1754.
Hauser, Danl and Nich, (Lorraine,)
1754, Md.
Hay, John, Sr., John, Jr., 1757,
(Alsace), York.
Herbein, Jonathan, prior to 1720,
Peter and Abraham 1732, Berks.
Heyde, John Jost, prior to 1717,
(Alsace), Pa. and Va., see Chap.
XV.
Herring, John Geo. (Lorraine), 1754,
Berks.
Heckendorn, Daniel and family
(Alsace), 1736, Lane.
Hoch, (High), Melchoir and Jonathan
(Alsace), 1717, Berks.
Hillegas, John Fred 1727, Leopold
1730, John Adam 1732, Mich, and
Peter, prior to 1745, Geo. Al-
brecht 1746, (Alsace).
Hogar, Antoine 1754, (Lorraine).
Hotel, John 1732.
Hobart, Adam, 1788.
Hosted by
Google
M^MORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
153
Hodnett, John, Phila. , prior to 1737.
Hoyer, Franc Carl (Alsace), 1738,
Berks.
Hoshier, Laurans, Christian and
Abraham 1741.
Hoschar, Theobald, John Peter and
John Henry, 1749.
Hoozier, Geo. 1751.
Hotnian, John 1755, Michael 1753.
Horry, William 1727, Martin, nat.
York Co., 1763.
Hutier, Jean Jacques, prior to 1751.
Lane.
Hugo, John Daniel 1753.
Hubertson, Hubert 1709, Lane.
Hubert, Geo. 1749, Andrew 1765.
Hubele, Joseph and sons Mich, and
Barnard 1732, Jacob 1737, John
Frederick 1743.
Huger, John Christ 1766.
Hueling, Lars, Geo. 1750, Vide Chap.
VI.
Huidenbery, Val. (Lorraine), 1754.
Huguelet, Abr. and Charles (Lorraine),
1754.
Hugett, Francis (Hugus ?), 1737, Lane.
Huyett, Geo. Berks, prior to 1734,
Franc Carl 1738, Mich. 1749, Peter
1746.
Imbert, Andrew, 1683, Phil.
Izard, Jean 1770.
Jardines, Dr. des, Del., prior to 1680.
Jacques, Jean (b. 1696, d. 1778, Lane),
Abraham 1736, Lane.
Jaequett, Jean Paul, Del. 1650.
Jacquard, Fred 1752, John Peter 1753,
John Peter 1768.
Janvier, Thomas Del. , prior to 1700.
Javin, Pierre —
Jeune, C. Jacques 1749, Henri 1751,
Lane.
Joho, John 1739, York.
Joch, (Schoch) John Jac. Sr., John
Jacob, Jr., Mich. 1749. (Alsace).
Joray, (Jury) Jacques 1749, Abraham
1754, Dauphin.
Jourdan, Jean 1738.
Jonimel, Mart. 1750.
Jurian, Mathias 1732.
Julian, Peter 1764.
Kauffman, John Jacob (Alsace). 1737.
Keppler, Simon (Lorraine), 1754.
Keim, Johannes 1697, Berks.
Kieffer, Casper and Abraham 1748,
Nieh. and Jacob 1750, Berks.
Klencke, Mich. (Lorraine), 1754.
Kuntzelman, John Jacob (Lorraine),
1754.
Lambing, Christopher (1720-1810),
from Alsace.
Lachart, Barnard 1741, John Jacob
1753.
Lazelere, Nich. (1691 Long Island, N.
Y.,) Nich., Jr., to Bucks Co.
Lantzinger, John (Alsace), 1738.
Lanbleau, Jean Jacques, 1752.
Latz, John Jacob, (Lortaine), 1754.
Laux, Pierre 1738, Lane., Peter 1737,
Bucks, John Jacob 1754.
Laschett, (Lawshe), John Jacob age
50, sons John Peter, age 25 and
Christian, age 18, 1736, Lane,
John Wendel 1738, Daniel in
Phila., prior to 1752.
Lallemand, Jacob 1757.
Laurans, Hubert Del., prior to 1677,
John 1736, Henry 1738, Frances
Peter, d. Lane. 1758.
Lasehelles, Geo. , Vide Conewago.
Leasure, Abr. (Lorraine), 1754, Dau-
phin.
Levering, Wigard and Gerhart 1685,
Phila.
Lingel, Paul and Jacob, 1737.
Lilou, James, prior to 1750, Cumb.
Linville, Henry, prior to 1740, Berks.
Loresh, Jacob, prior to 1751, Berks.
Lorraine, John, Phila.
Lorange, (L'Orange) Henry, Dauphin,
prior to 1750.
Lorah, (Loreau) Phila., prior to 1715,
John 1737, John Casper 1754.
Lorie, John Henry and John Melchoir
1749, John Peter 1753.
Lorisen, Geo. Mich, and Gabriel 1738.
Lovine, Abraham, Vide Conewago.
La Bar, Peter, Chas. and Abraham
1730, Danl. and Pnilip nat. in
1738, William nat. 1750.
La Belle, Simon, nat. 1762.
La Blanch, early in Phila.
La Bert, Michael 1729, Adam 1753.
Lapert, (Labert ?) John 1739.
La C el las, James Phila. , prior to 1759.
La Gnau, Bartholomas 1754, York.
La Mar, Leonard 1741, Michael 1750,
John, Nich. and Francis 1754,
Berks.
La Mott, Jean Henri 1754, York.
La Place, Philip Peter 1765.
La Pierre, Jean Jacques 1753, Lane.
La Port, Jean 1777.
La Roux, Jonas 1719, Lane, John
Phila., prior to 1739, George,
prior to 1740, Dauphin, Abraham,
vSr., and Abraham, Jr., in Bucks
very early, Abraham, d. York Co.
1757.
La Rash, Ludwig (L. Dept). prior to
1757, Northampton.
Hosted by
Google
154
MEMORIALS OF THK HUGUENOTS.
LaRouse, Epliraim, prior to 1738.
L/a Rose, John Lewis 1740, Ivcliigh.
I,a Saul, Jacob 1738.
La Trine, Anna 1729.
La Tour, Herman and Jacob. 1749,
Lane.
La Wall, John Michael 1749, Daniel
and John Ludwig, 1752.
LeBeau, (Lebo), John, prior to 1718,
Lane, Peter, prior to 1737, John,
prior to 1734, John, prior to 1740,
John Abr. , prior io 1742, John
Henry 1765.
Le Bot, Albert 1737.
Le Boyteau, John, early in Pliila.
Le Blanch, Joseph Phila.
Le Boob, Mich. d. York Co. 1780.
Le Brant, John Conrad 1751, Lane,
George, Berks Co.
Le Brun, Ettine 1753.
Le Cene, Jean and Paul 1732, Lane.
Le.Colle, Pierre, prior to 1720, Phila.
Le Crone, Daniel d. Lane. 17()9, Jacob
Lane, prior to 1757, Jacob, Lane,
prior to 1757, Leonard, York Co.
Le Char, Vide Chap. VI.
Le Dieu, Lewis, Phila., prior to 1758.
Le Die, Jean 1772.
Leniont, Peter, Lane, prior to 1718.
Le Drue, John 1718, Jos. and Noel
in Phila.
Le P'evre, Hypolite, Jean and Jacques
in Del. prior to 1()85, IvSaac, Lane
Co. 1712, John in Mont. Co. 1778,
Le Gay, (Le Geau ?) early in Phila.
Le Maistre, John William, age 58, 1748
Le Moree, Jean Baptiste.
Le Roy, John Mich, and George 1738,
Jean Jacques 1752, Abraham 17'"4,
Abraham and Adam 1754.
Le Shemile, Peter prior to 1741.,
Phila.
Le Tort, James, prior to 1787.
Le Tellier, Peter— Phila.
Le Van, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
prior to 1725, Daniell 727, Peter
1748.
Le Vassong, John Lewis, 1732.
Le Valleau, Chas. prior to 1()95, Bucks
Co.
Mackinett, Daniel, prior to 1739,
Mont. Co., d. 1744.
Marchand, John Lewis and John Geo.
1737.
Marti, Laurans and John, 1749.
Mathiot, Jean atid George 1754, Lane
Marionette, Jacques, 1738.
Mallo, John Michael (Alsace), 1749,
• John Geo. 1755.
Marot, Pierre and fam. 1733.
Martine, Mich. 1747, Yarra Emanuel
1744, John Theodore, Justus and
Charles 1753, John Martin 1754.
Marett, Mich. 1736, Lane Mich. 1737,
Abra. 1777.
Morett, Jean Dedier and Mattieu,
1757, Berks, Etienne, 1773.
Maier, Adam, (Lorraine), 1754.
Mallecot, Phillippe 1757.
Markie, Marcus 1736, Jacob 1745, Leb.
Marcoe, Abraham, Santa Cruz 1750,
Phila.
Markley, John Christman (Alsace),
John Jacob 1749, Jean Chris-
topher 1752.
Marquetand, Laurans, Lane.
Marquard, John Geo. and Martin
1743, John 1750.
Marquett, John Henry Lebanon,
prior to 1743, Peter 1749, John
Geo. 1752, John Geo. (2nd) 1752.
Marie, Casper 1732.
Merree, (Marie ?) Seb. 1729, James
1730, Christian 1733, Berks.
Morree, Wm. nat. in Bucks Co., 1734.
Mease, Henry, "late from France"
1749.
Melfort, John Casper, nat. Chester
1762.
Mercier, Augustine 1773.
Mestrezat, Charles Andre, Chap. XVI
Meurer, Rev. Philip (Alsace), 17-12.
Mentjes, FrancoivS, prior to 1750,
Lane
Messakop, John 1754, Lane
Minuit, Peter, Del. 1738.
Mischele, John Geo. and Joseph 1749.
Michelot, (Mickley) John Jacob 17;i3,
(Lorraine), Lehigh.
Missamer, John Mich. (Alsace), Mont.
Millot, Nich. 1749, Berks, Pierre 1749.
Moreau, (Morrow) Francois, Lane,
prior to 1750, John d. at Lane
1760, Philip m. at Bethlehem 1757.
Moser, 1720 Chap. IX.
Mottier, John Mich. 1749.
Molier, Etienne, 1773.
Monier, Jacques 1770.
Monel, Pierre, 1768.
Montmaton, Gulliaume, 1770.
Montieth, John, Conewago.
Morell, Matthieu, prior to 1770, Berks.
Molan, Jacques 1752.
Molin. Mathew 1752.
Moris, Jacques, 1749.
Manin, Jean Pierre vSe., and Jean
Pierre, Jr.. (Lorraine). 1754.
Montandon, David 1729, Phila.
Montfort, John, Conewago.
Hosted by
Google
MEM0RIAI3 01^ THK HUGUENOTS.
155
Momma, John Conrad and Hermanns,
(I/orraine), 1747, I^anc, Christian
d. lyanc. 1755, Jacob 1737, Lane,
Leonard 1737 Lane, Peter 1748
Lane. Lanrens d. Lane. 1752.
Muni, (Le Moyne), Jacob, Sr., Jacob,
Jr., Conrad, Andrew and Chris-
topher 1570, Dauphin.
Mylander, John Daniel, (Lorraine) 1754.
Naudin, Elie. Del. 1698.
Neron, Lorie 1750.
Noble, Anthony, Sr., Anthony, Jr.,
1734.
Noel, Enas and Joseph with families,
1736, KiUian 1738, John m. at
Bethlehem 1746, Philip, prior to
1740, Jean prior to 1750, in York
Co.
Oberlin, Martin and John Adam
(Alsace), prior to 1730 Lane,
Israel 1752 Lane.
Ozias, Henry, prior to 1750, Phila.
Paca, John, prior to 1758, Phila.
Pallio, Peter, prior to 1730, Berks.
Palin, Laz., 1738,
Paris, Pierre, Isaac, Sr., Isaac, Jr.,
1750, Isaac 1750, Pierre, George
and Nicola 1770.
Parat, Cornelius 1734.
Paire, Jacob 1736, Lane, Jacob 1747.
Pavon, Jean Pierre 1744.
Patier, Louis 1770.
Parent, John 1727.
Parshing. Nich. 1732.
Paushon, John Nich. 1738.
Perzonze, John Jae 1740, Leb., d.
1749.
Pierson, Laurans 1738, Lane
Perrett, Henry 1777.
Perretier, Jean Henri, Sr., and Jr.,
1754, (Lorraine).
Perlett, John 1732, John Fred 1751,
Perqua, Adam, 1749.
Pechin, Pierre, and sons Jean Nicholas
and Jean Christopher 1754, (Lor-
. raine), Chester.
Pettit, John York, prior to 1749, Jona.
than, Northampton, prior to 1759.
i Perrine, Thomas, Lane, prior to 1718,
/ Pershing, Frederick, 1749, (Alsace),
Westmoreland.
Pigonie, (Bigony-Pigoney) Jean 1752,
Francois 1773, Montgomery.
Pievex, Laurans, 1739.
Pinnard, Jos. Phila., prior to 1703.
erre, Nicholas 1727, York, Christian,
nat. in Chester 1750, MartiiTlTSIT;
Jean Henri 1757.
Picquart, James d. Lancaster 1749.
Henry prior to 1744, John Gott-
fried in Phila. , prior to 1754.
Pons, Jacques 1727, Augustus 1728,
Abra. 1751, John Sr. and Jr., 1768.
Poponet, Pierre Carl, 1773.
Porreau Jean Daniel, 1773.
Pontius. John 1738, (Alsace), Nicholas,
Martin and David 1768, Berks.
Purviance, Saml, Phila., prior to 1693,
David (Lorraine), 1754, Dauphin.
Purdieu, William, Phila., priorto 1738.
Pyatt, Chap. XV.
Pythan, Jean GuUiaume 1769.
Querrier, John Nich., 1752, Berks.
Qua, (le.) John and Frederick 1753,
Chester.
Quepic, Jeania (Lorraine) 1754.
Rausier, Fred, Phila., prior to 1748.
Raboteau, Chas. Cornelius, Mont.
prior to 1750.
Rappe, Gabriel 1683. Phila.
Raiguel, Jean Jacques 1754, Dauphin.
Rayer, (Royer) Sebastian 1718, John
Jacob 1729, John Martin 1729, John
Mich. 1732, J. Nicholas and Jacob
1749.
Raquet, Henry, Lane prior to 1752,
John Nich. and John Christopher
1764.
Ramey, Pierre, (Lorraine) 1754.
Ranc, (Ranck) John, Mich. 1728, John
PhiHp, 1729, Lane
Remey, Bartol and son Jacob 1737,
Daniel, priorto 1754, Northamp-
ton.
Revere, Geo, 1773.
Remley, (de) Ambrose and Jacob 1741,
Northampton, Conrad inPhi la.
Renoudet, James, Phila., prior to 1733.
Receau, Thomas, Phila., prior to 1716.
Retteu, William, priorto 1726, Chester.
Renart, John Adam, 1741.
Reusal, John Peter, 1751.
Renan, Joseph 1764.
Relan, Nicola 1749.
Renolle, Daniel, 1749, York.
Renau, (Reno), Claude 1749, Isaac,
1751, Peter and Francis 1752,
Joseph, 1764.
Riehl, Simon 1729, Nicholas, Berks,
prior to 1732, John Philip 1738,
Jonas 1742, John George 1751.
Ritner, Abr. (Alsace), 1750 Berks,
Laurans, 1754.
Ridett, Benj. and John, Conewago.
Ribolett, Christian 1733, Abraham,
Jacob and John Peter 1749.
Richardeu, Pierre and Jean 1754.
Riboleau, Nicholas, Phila. 1683.
Hosted by
Google
156
MEMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
Rochia, Laurans, Delaware, Adam
1752.
Roller, John and John Jacob 1750, John
Geo. and John, Mich. 1753, John
Peter, 1752.
Ronner, John Rinehart 1743.
Roberdieu, Isaac, Phila.
Rosier, Lanrans, 1732, De Beau Rosier,
in I,anc. prior to 1753.
Roshong, Adam, Phila., prior to 1733,
Henri and Pierre (Lorraine) 1753,
Philip 1754.
Robinett, Samuel, Phila. 1684.
Rosher, Gabriel, 1731. lyanc, John
1764.
Routte, Daniel, New Castle, prior to
168.*^.
Rottie, Jean Pierre, 1754.
Rutan, Gerritt, NewCastle, 1660.
Rubishong, Septimus, Lane. 1712.
Mathias, Lane. 1732, John, Berks
1732, John 1734.
Rumont, Vernier 1753.
Ruhlin, John Geo., Berks 1754.
Rutselia, (Rudesill), Philip M. at Con-
estogal734, d. 1754, Weirick 1737,
York Co., John Jacob 1752, York
Co., Andrew 1749. *
Ruble, (Ruby), Peter 1738, Casper
1748, York.
Santee, Isaac, Bucks.
Santeau, (Sando), Jacques, 1754, Lane.
Sauvet, Henri 1773.
Sanguinet, Jacob 1753.
Sauvage, John 1738, Berks.
Sausser, (De Saussier), David 1743,
John Jacob 1749.
Saurian, Philip 1754.
Sarijons, Philippi 1754.
Sangree, Christian, York, prior to
1738, John Ludwig 1749.
Saye, Richard, Delaware, prior to
1686, Bernet 1740.
Savoy, Jean, Delaware, prior to 1700.
Sallada, Jacob 1749, Peter 1750, Fred-
erick 1751, d. 1770, Nicholas 1752,
Thomas 1764.
Scharille, Christian, (Lorraine), 1754.
Schnellbach, John, (Lorraine), 1754.
Schendt, Mathew, (Lorraine), 1754.
Schilling, John, (Lorraine), 1754.
Schreiner, Adam, (Lorraine), 1754.
Schuett, Carl. Val Mich., prior to
1734.
Schora, Jacob 1753, Nich. and John
Adam 1768.
Sevier, Philip 1733.
Servier, Jean Jacques 1753.
Secore, Mathew 1749.
Seiz, Jean Louis 1763.
Seubert, John and Andrew, (Alsace),
1752.
Serieux, Jean 1770.
Seyzer, John, (Lorraine), 1754.
Seal, John Paul, (Lorraine), 1751,
Dauphin.
Sensinia, (SeUvSiny), Jacob Lane, prior
to 1737, Christian d. Lane. 1753.
Shultz, Ch, Otto, (Alsace), 1734.
Shuev, Daniel and Ludwig 1732, Leb.,
John 174^, John Fred 1749, John
Philip 1764.
Showa, PVederick, (Lorraine), 1754,
John, Sr. and John, Jr., prior to
1745.
Shetron, (Chedron), Abraham 1749,
York.
Sibrick, Guilliaume 1752.
Simonett, (Simony), Jacques 1727,
Lane.
Sieur, Phihp 1752.
Sochonet, Henri 1733.
Souplies, (Supplee), Andre 1684, Phila.
Soloman, Abra., (Alsace), 1739.
Soule, John and Francis 1749,
Somaine, Vide p. 60.
Sponselier, Philip, (Lorraine), 1732,
Lane. , Philip 1754, Geo. nat. York
Co.. 1761.
Spurior, Nich. 1741.
Steubesant, John Geo., (Lorraine),
1754.
Steg, Albert Otto, (Lorraine), 1754.
Suffrance, John 1732, Phila.
Sumois, (Summey), John Peter, Sr.,
and sons John Peter, Jr., John
Jacob, John and John Michael
1733, Lancaster.
Talman, Jacques, (Lorraine), 1754.
Thebaut, (Tebo), PhiUp 1714.
Thoulozan, Jean 1749.
Tien, Jean Henri, 1751.
Tiesser, Ktienne 1770, Etienne 1771.
Torson, F. Christopher 1752.
Tomel, Paul 1750.
Tournay, Daniel 1740. Peter 1741,
John 1750.
Trasbart, Nicola 1736.
Travenger, Peter nat. Lane. Co. , 1727.
Transue, Abr. 1730, Mont. Co.
Trippeo, Fred, prior to 1713, Phila.
Trego, Pierre, Delaware Co., prior to
1684.
Trevillier, Jos., Phila., prior to 1745,
Trebert, Justus, Lane. , prior to 1755.
Trevett, Christian 1738.
Trylopare, Jacob, (Alsace) 1732.
Udree, Henry 1741, Phila.
Urner, Ulrich, (Alsace), 1708, Chester.
Urffer, Mich., (Alsace), 1765.
Hosted by
Google
MRMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
157
Ull, John, (Lorraine), 1754.
Varlet, C. 1773.
Valin, Gabrial 1773.
Vasqueau, (Wesco), Philip 1754, lye-
high.
Vassar, Jacob 1751 .
Valierchamp, Simon, Vide p. 35.
Vaiitie, Pierre, (Lorraine), 1754.
Vandalin, H. Martin 1754.
Verdieux, Jacques, Yorklprior to 1755.
Vertrie, (Verdries), John with fam. to
Lane. Co., prior to 1733.
Vidal, Stephen, Phila., prior to 1754.
Vincent, Louis 1738.
Viellard, (''Wilier"), Casperius 1732,
Lane, John Peter, L^inc, prior to
1733.
Vintvas, Jean Pierre, 1746.
Viersard, Jean Richard 1764.
Vielleman, Francois 1773.
Viebert, Geo. 1732.
Vishang, Conrad and Philip, 1740.
Voturin, (Woodring), Abraham, (Lor-
raine), 1733, Northampton, John
1739, York, Nicholas ?
Vosin, Jean Pierre 173S, Jean Pierre
1754, Abraham 1768.
Voyer, Peter, Phila., prior to 1713.
Voshell, Wm., ''Delaware near 17()0."
Votaw, Paul, Isaac and John, near
Phila. , prior to 1744, John to Va.
Wendling, (Vandalin), Peter and De-
walt, (Bushweiler, Alsace), 1752,
Lane.
Welschans, (Velschang), Peter, Abra.
and Joseph 1739, Lane.
Werley, Dietrich, (Alsace), 1736, York.
Welle, Jean Pierre 1768.
Wiershang, (Vienshang), Conrad and
Philip 1740, Peter 1741, Casper
1753, Lane.
Weimer, Barnard 1732, (Ahsace), John
1747.
Willeman, (Vielleman), Alphonse,
(Lorraine), 1754.
Willard, Christian and Martin, 1749.
Hosted by
Google
158
MEMORIALS OF THK HUGUENOTS.
LIST OF THE FRENCH NOBILITY.
Families of Patrician rank, the names of which occur among the immigrants to America,
compiled from " The Nobility of Normandy."— (A^odiV/azV^ de Normandu.) Date A. D., 1688.
Ache (Aughe)
Achard
AUemand, le
Bailie
Baron
Barre, de iu
Bandoin
Bauquet (Bouquet,)
Benard
Benoist (Benoit,)
Berraiiger
Bernard
Bisaye (Bisse?,)
Blanc, le
Bois, du
Boiteau, le
Bonnett
Bonneville
Bos, du
Boucher
Bourgeois
Bourget
Boutillier, le
Bouton
Boyer
Bouyer
Brosses, des
Brunot
Buisson, du
Cacheux (Casho,)
Carmone
Carre
Cavelier
Cesne, de
Champs, des (Deshong,)
Chapelle
Chartier
Chateau
Cheane, du
Chevelier, le
Chrestien
Clerc, le
Cochart
Cointe, le (Le Conte,)
Compte, le
Cossart (Cassatt,)
Coursey, du
Consine
Croismare (Griesamer?,)
Daudet (Douty,)
Darie
Durand
Duret
Kspee, le
Febvre, le
Ferree
Fevre,. le (Lefever.)
Fountain
Four, du
Fournier
Franc, le
Francios
Fresne, du (de Frain,etc. ,)
Garnier
Gaudin
Girard
Guyon
Haas, des (de Hass,)
Harcourt, de
Hubert
Huett
HuUin (Ruling,)
Hurel
Imbert
Jardins, des
Jourdain
Lamy
Lanoy, de
Lasseur, de
Lescalles
Long Champ, de
Loureux (Lorah)
Lucas
Maheu Mahew,
Maistre, le (Leniaster,)
Mallet
Marchand, le
Mare, de la
Marets, des
Marie
Martel, de
Martigny (Martine,)
Masnry, du
Maurey
Mellun
Menard
Mercier, le
Merle, du
Merlet, du
Millet
Moine, le
Morret
Mounier, le
Mont, du
Montagne, de
Montfort
Marant, de
Morel, de
Morin
Motte, de la
Moyne, le
Noble, le
Noe, de la (Delano,)
Noel
Pare, du
Pardien, de
Parent, du
Pere, le
Perier, du
Petit, le
Picquet (Pickett,)
Picony
Pierre, du
Pierrepont,
Place, la
Pont, du
Prevost
Puis, du
Regnalt
Remy, de
Renouard
Ridel
Roche, la
Romilly, de
Roux, le
Roy, le (Larou,)
Royer
Rou, de la
Sauvage
Secart
Sellier
Sublet
Sueur, le (Lesure,)
Tellier, le
Val, du
Valleau, le
Vasseur
Vaux, de
Viellard
Vieux, de
Villers, du
Vosin
Voyer, le
Hosted by
Google
MKMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
159
THE FRENCH NOBILITY, Con-
Familes of noble rauk described in de Maigney's Science of Heraldry (i) and which appear in
name among the Huguenot immigrants to America.
Ache, de
Astier
Auber, de (Dauber,)
Astorg, de (Astor,)
Autre, de Utree,
Baron
Barral
Baudin
Farrel, de la
Beau, de
Beauchamp
Beaufort
Bechounet (Pechonet ?,)
Behrent
Benoist (Benoit,)
Bernetz
Bernon
Boutellier
Bouvet
Bouvier
Boyer
Brun, le
Cazenave
Cellier
Chapelle, de la
Chardon
Chavlier
Charrett
Chateau
Conte, le
Courson, du
Courtenay, de
Consine
Crozier. de
Dassier
Dautry
Ferneau
Ferree
Fleury
Garnett
Garrigues
Hugo
Huelin
Hurel
Imbert
Jacquett
Julien
Ivambin
Lancy. de
L/aneau, de
Laplace
Ivaurens, de
Laurent, du
Lery, de
Longchamp, de
Long, de
Marchant
Marien
Marquet
Martel
Martineau
Maurey, du
Mayaud (Mayo,)
Mere, de
Monier, de
Mont, du
Moreau
Morret
Morel
Motte, de la
Monnier
Orth, d'
Palliot
Paris, de
Perrier
Perrin
Pierre, de la
Pingre
Pibard
Planch, de la
Ponce, de
Ponceau, du
Pons
Porchier, du
Prevost
Puis, du
Puy, du
Ramey
Raguet, du
Remy
Robert
Roche, de la
Rohan
Roux
Royer
Runiont
Soule
Tellier, le
Tricaud, de (Trego,)
Tru, de
Trion, de
Val, du
Vallee
Vasseur, le
Vastan, de
Vaux, de
Villars
Vincent
Vosin
Voyer
(I.) Claude D. du Maigney was one of the greatest autliorites on Her'aldry, He established
the Heraldic College at Paris in 1841. His work on the French Nobility "Science des Armoiries,"
published in Paris in 1856 is a grand work, and the descriptions and engravings of the arras of
the families treated of are very fine.
Hosted by
Google
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUKNOTS.
161
GENERAL INDEX. (I)
Acadia colonized, 29, inhabitants
deported 148
Achey fani. hist 120
Abbadie, Jacques 24
Albert fam. hist 122
Alsace, devastation of 72, 112,
emigration from 72
Antillies, Hii^ajuenot colony of... 32
Antoine de Bourbon renounces
Prot. faith 5
Antes fam. ref. to 86
Asylum, Pa., founded 34
Audubon, John James 36
Aurand fam. hist 119
Bayard fam. hist. 45-46, Col.
John and Stephen 41
Bailiet fam. hist., 83, Col.
Stephen 4i>83
Baldy fam. hist bg
Bashore fam. hist 119
Barnitz fam. hist 128
Barree, Jacob 90
Bancroft, historian, quoted 137
Benezette fam. hist 49
Berrott fam. hist 126
Bezillion Peter 89
Bessonett fam. hist 78
Beau Jacques, F. C 124
Benoit, Elias, historian 24
Besnage [Benage] 23-24, fam
hist 120
Bertolet fam. hist 41,63
Beaver fam. hist 76, Gen. James
A 41
Beeber 76, Hon. Dimmer 41
Bittenger fam. hist. 128, Hon. J.
W 41
Bigony fam 59
Blenheim battle of 72
Bleim, Christian 58
Bouquet, Gen. Henry 134
Bonnett fam. hist 96
Bordieu de, fam 28
Bochart, Dr. Samuel 23
Bonneauvant, Jean 136
Bonrepos de. Rev. David 32
Boston, Huguenot church of 32
Bondet, Rev. Daniel 32
Boudinot Elias 40, 48, 138-139
Bowdoin fam. and college 146
Beyer fam hist 43,54,89
Bohemia, 'Manor, 45
Bouchell fam. hist 46
Brashier, Judith....^ 87
Bushong fam. hist.;.. 58,98, 134
Bucher, Hon. JOvSeph C 70
Brunot fam. hist 132
Bruno, St 132
Bregunier fam. hist 135
Calvin, John, Reformer 2
Corree, Rev. Ezechiel 32
CavSlio fam. hist 43
Cassatt fam. hist 131
Charleston, S. C, founded 27
Charleston, S. C, colony of 123
Chartier, Martin 88
ChevalHer fam 48
Chamier, Dr. Daniel 24
Charles IX dies 8
Clewell fam. hist 86
Coligney, Dukede, a Huguenot
leader 2, 5. murdered 7
Conde, Prince of, a Huguenot
leader 3-9
Court, Antoine 20
Cochet fam hist 120
Conewago colony 130
Conyngham, Redmond, quoted.. 89
Conestoga, Valley of the 88
Crcvsson fam. hist 52
Creyfels, a ref uge 112
Crousillat, L/Ouis 35
Daille, Rev. Pierre 32
Dasser, Paul 5O
Dana fam. hivSt i42
Desert, church of the 19
Decatur, Stephen VII
Dewy, Admiral Geo VII
Dedier, Jean 51
Desha fam 82
De Monts founds New France... 29
De Medici, Queen Catherine 306
De Beza, Rev. Theodore 4,23
De Sanno, Frederick 36
De Albert, Jeanne 6, death of 7
De, Hass Gen. Philip 40, fam.
hist 124
De Cessna fam. hist 41, 129
De Graffenreid, Ch 112
De Forrest, Jesse, colonizer 41
De Frehn fam. hist 56
De Turk fam. hivSt 62
De Harcourt fam 64
De Benneville, Dr. George 66
De Long fam. hist 74
De Normandy fam. hist 79
(i) For names that do not appear in this index the reader is referre<I 10 the
General List of Huguenot Immigrants in this work.
Hosted by
Google
162
MKMORIAI^S OF THE HUGUENOTS.
De Boileau fam. hist 80
De Tray fam 80
De Schweintz fam. of 80
De Pew fam. of 81
De Avier, Jean....-|jj. 121
De Bow fam ^. 97
Delano, Hon. Columbus 145
Delaware, Huguenot families of 41,44
De ha. Grange, Joost 43, Arnol-
dus 45
De La Vail, John 48
De la Plaine fam. hist 57
De la Plank fam. hist 69
Delliker, Rev. Frederick 38
Dillier fam. liivSt 96
Dinkle, John Daniel 126
DivSponnett fam 137
Dodderer, Henry S., quoted 7
Douty fam. hist 87
Doutel fam. hist 126
Dragonades, the 16
Dravo, Anthony 133
Du Corson fam 80
Du Castle, Edmund 48
Du Bois, Louis founds New Paltz
30, hist, of 58, Rev. Laurent
32, John 43, Abraham 114
Du Pont fam. hist 46
Duval, Gabriel 144
Duponceau, Peter 35
Duche fam. hist 48, Jacob 138
Dundore fam. hist 122
Dunkards, persecuted come to
America 113
England refugees to 19, 39, 118
Fgle, Dr. W. H. biog IX
Edict of Nantes 11, Revocation...
of 18, Edict of toleration 22
Esopus, N. Y 31
Ephrata community 115
Eckerline fam. hist 115
Feneuil fam. hist., 145, Hall 145
Fenelon pleads for toleration 19
Ferree fam. hist 41, 100, 106
Forney fam. hist 92
Fortney fam. hist 97
Francis I. favorable to reform 2
Garfield Pres. James A IV
Gallaudet fam. 146, college 146
Gallatin, Albert mentioned 132
Garrigues fam 50
Gblley slaves 37
Germantown, settlement of 51
Girard, Stephen 36, college 144
Girardin fam. hist 74
Gobin, Gen. J. P. S 74
Goshahoppen church 53
Grimm fam. hist 77
Grinnell brothers 147, Polar ex-
pedition e 147
Griesemer fam. hist 77
Groff fam. hist. 117, Prof. Geo.
G 77
Gruwell fam 43
Grubb, Bishop N. B 66
Guise fam. oppose reformation
3, Duke of— killed 9
Hauer, Rev. Daniel 134
Hamilton, Hon. Alex. N
Hay, Col. John 41, 126
Haller, Col. Henry 41, 48
Heydt, Jost 135
Herbein fam. hist 77
Herrman, Augustine 45
Hillegas, Mich. ,40, 138, fam.
hist 54
Horry i, 135
Hoch fam 77
Hubley fam hist 41, 93
Huger fam 140
Hubertson, Hnber 90
Huelings fam. hist 44
Huguenots character of, VII,
strength of 5, wars of the
3, 6, 9, II, maSsSacre of —
Vassey 5. St. Bartholemew
7, churches destroyed 16,
invited to foreign lands 17,
flight of 18, last pensecution
of 21, eminent characters 28,
colleges of 24, settlements
in America 25, 39, "monu-
ments" of 137
Imbert, Andrew 48
Jay, John 138
Javin, Pierre 35
Jacquett, Jean Paul 42
Jacques, Jean 90, Lancelot 135
Jessup, Jos 87
Julian, De St. fam. of 28
Kauffman, John Jacob 77
Keim fam. hist 61
Kelpius, Johannis 34
Kieffer fam. hist 73, 123
Kocherthal , Rev. Josiah colony of 39
Lanier, poet IV
Landis fam. persecuted no
Lawshefam. hist 114
Laux fam. hist 121
Laurans, Hon. Henry. 138, 139
Lafayette, favors toleration 22
Lancaster church records 90,
French services in 90
Lazelere fam. hist 80
Labadie, Jean 45
Iva Bar 41, 58, 85
La Mar, 41, 85, L. Q, C 145
La Rou, fam. hist 123, 130, 136
La Mott. fam. , hist i27
La Rose, fam. hist 84
LaTrobe, Benjamin 86
La Wall fam 85
Hosted by
Google
MEMORIALS OF THE HUGUENOTS.
103
La Tour fam 99
Iveiden, city of, a place of refuge 29
lycvering fain, hist 51
Ivcasure fatii. hist 124
Ivcsher fam 59
lyeague of the Holy Union 9
Leniont, Peter 90
I^e Beau fam. hist 121
lyC Brun, Jean 51
Le Clerc, Jean, martyr, 3
lye Colle, Pierre 50
he Doux fam. exiled 86
L,e Fever, Jacques, reformer i,
fam. in Delaware 43, in New
York 31, John 58, Isaac 107,
Col. Daniel 108
Le Conte fam 141
Le Roy fam 94
LeTort, Capt. James 89
Le Van fam. hist 41, 68
Le Valleau fam 80
Lingel fam. hist 124
Lischey, Rev. Jacob list of 129
Lorraine, devastation of 72, house
of 3
Lorah fam. hist 41, 59
Louis XIV revokes edict of
Nantes 18
Longfellow's Evangeline, men-
tion of i48
Luthtr, Martin reformer i
Manigault, Gabriel i4o
Marion, Gen. Francis 140
Marchand fam. hist 96
Mathiot fam. hist 91
Marquett fam. hist 78
Manakintown, Va., settled , 28
Mazarine 14
Margaret Queen of Navarre 2
Markley fam. hist 74
Maury, Prof. Matthew Fontain... 143
Mercier, Rev. Andre 32
Mestrezat, Jean 23. fam hist. 132,
Hon. S. Leslie 41
Mentges, Col. Francis 41, 96
Meurer, Rev. John Philip 87
Mennonites, persecution of 108,
martyrs 109, migrate to
Alsace iii, to Pennsylvania
112, Pioneers 113, 116
Missamer fam. hist 58
Minnuit, Peter, Gov. of New
Sweden 42
Minnisink settlement 81
Mickley fam. hist 83
Michelle, Lewis, prospector,... 89, 112
Millot, Col. Daniel 135
Moravians 34, church 85, synod.. 70
Montandon, David 50
Nantes edict of 11, abridged 13,
revoked* 18
Navarre, house of Protestant 2,
Henry de, abj urates 8, be-
comes King 10, promulgates
the edict of Nantes n, assas-
vsinated 11, Catherine de,
dies II
National S3mod 12, 13, 14, re-
stored 21
Names of immigrants changed... i4S
Naudin, Elie 43
New France, settlement of 28
New Netherlands founded 29
New Paltz, N. Y 30
New Rochelle, N. Y 31
New Oxford, Mass 32
Neff fam. hist 117
*'Nipmuck countrv" settlement
of 32
Noel, Hon. D. K 125
Nobility favorable to reform 2
Olney, Hon. Richard 145
Oberlin fam. hist 99
Otterbein, Rev. P. W ♦ 94
Oley valley, the 61
Ohenbach, tower of 109
Patentees of New Paltz 31
Palatinate, devastation of 72,
loi, 112, 118, immigration
from 34, 112, 118
Parett, Nicholas 98
Paris treaty of 138
Pastorius, Francis Daniel men-
tioned 34
Pennsylvania, emigration to 33,
a place of refuge 34
Pechin fam. hist 57
Pettit, Dr. Samuel 25, James, 130
Penn, William, Holy experiment
of 34
Pershing, Hon. Cyrus L 132
Perdeau, William 50, fam 60
Perrine, Thomas 90, John 135,
fam 144
Philadelphia Huguenots in 48,
church records of 50-5 1
Philippi, King Louis, mention-
ed 35, 133
Pickens 36. Gen. Andrew 140
Piatt fam. hist 129
Piedmontese martyrs 38
Possey, debate at
Pons fam. hist 98. 133
Port Royal, settlement of 26
Pontius fam. hist ., 119
Poinsett, Joel Robert 143
Prioleau, Kli 27
Prevoost, Bishop Samuel
Priestly, Dr. Joseph a refugee. ... 35
Puritans atLeyden 29
Purviance fam. hist 57
Pumpelly, Prof. Raphael., 143
Hosted by
Google
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11